Occupational health (OH) can appear as a foreign topic to many clinicians but it is something we should all be aware of. OH refers to the relationship between work and health and specialists in this area aim to enhance a worker’s health status, increase the productivity of a workforce, improve business performance and the economy. In OH physiotherapists link health and work not to be confused with vocational rehab which focusses on tasks/goals outside of paid employment.
We have some brand new courses on Physioplus which will help clarify and pique your interest in this specialism and start to further your understanding of the evidence base supporting our interventions. Take a look below at the courses currently available. As ususal we have the best of the best teaching you about this topic – The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Occupational Health and Ergonomics. ACPOHE is a Professional Network of the Chartered Society Physiotherapy (CSP) in the UK and was founded in 1947. Their aim is to improve the health and wellbeing of workers to maximise productivity and quality of life at work. Members of the organisation work across many diverse settings and members work towards technical and registered membership.
Work enhances physical and mental health, plus it develops confidence, purpose and fulfilment. It is therefore essential that individuals who have long term sickness that results in an absence from work, are effectively supported in their return to productivity. Occupational Health specialists are involved in managing this process. This course, the first in a series of courses from The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Occupational Health and Ergonomics (ACPOHE), introduces the discipline of Occupational Health.
Introducing the role of physiotherapists in supporting the working population
Occupational Health serves a vital function in supporting workers to remain in and return to work and it is an area of healthcare that is constantly evolving. However, there is currently no clear definition of Occupational Health research and there are limited high quality studies related to this field of activity. This course, which is the second in a series of courses from The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Occupational Health and Ergonomics (ACPOHE), examines the evidence base for Occupational Health and explores these issues in detail.
Explore the research that supports the techniques used in occupational health
This article was written by one of our course instructors...
Scott Buxton
Bsc (Hons) Physiotherapy, PGCert
Advanced Practice Physiotherapist
Royal United Hospitals Bath