RCOT is embarking on a major project to define the occupational therapy profession’s research priorities over the coming years. We want to know the big questions occupational therapists and people who use occupational therapy services want answered.
Monday 4 March saw the launch of the project – The RCOT Priority Settings Partnership (PSP) with the James Lind Alliance (JLA) at RCOT HQ. The purpose of the launch was not only to announce the project but also consider its scope and how to engage with diverse and hard-to-reach audiences.
Attended by occupational therapists and people who use occupational therapy services, the audience were taken through the PSP project process and introduced to the JLA, its methodology and core values of transparency, inclusion/exclusion, equality and evidence. These values resonated with everyone present and there was a real enthusiasm about the project.
RCOT’s research priorities were last defined in 2007 in a report titled Building the evidence for occupational therapy: Priorities for research. With so many advancements in the profession and in the health and social care sector over the last 12 years, it’s felt that now is the right time to revise the UK occupational therapy profession’s research priorities for the future.
In order to maximise the opportunity it’s important that we get input from a wide range of audiences bringing different perspectives, experiences and backgrounds. The best way for us to achieve this level of engagement is with partners who can help us spread the word. We are actively looking for organisations that can help us achieve this.
As a project partner we would ask that you help disseminate information about the project and encourage your networks to participate. Register your interest in becoming a partner.
The deadline for expressions of interest to join the steering group is 5pm on 15 March.
Finally, the PSP project is seeking an Information Specialist to lead the management and analysis of the project data. If you are interested, visit the PSP project page.
We are really looking forward to continuing the conversation that we started at this event at the first meeting of the steering group at the end of next month.
Jenny Mac Donnell
Project Lead