Defining the Value of Occupational Therapy: A Health Policy Lens on Research and Practice

Abstract

As occupational therapy leaders position the profession to seize opportunities within the landmark policy shift created by the Affordable Care Act, it is essential to identify, produce, and effectively use evidence demonstrating the value of occupational therapy to nurture the growth of the profession.

Occupational Therapy Employers’ Perceptions of Professionalism

“…This was a thread across all categories in our study. Lamb and Metzler (2014) noted that the value of OT must be linked to emerging needs. Employers indicated that they desired employees who could articulate the role and value of OT.…”

“…These payment structures reimburse for the quality and value of services, rather than for the quantity of services. Lamb and Metzler (2014) stressed the importance of demonstrating the value of OT under the ACA. Under bundled payments, it will be imperative for occupational therapists to be recognized for the distinct value they bring to patient care in order to establish OT referrals as investments in outcomes.…”

Occupational Therapy in Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waivers

“…To describe the profession's overall value in health care provision, occupational therapy practitioners must focus outcome research on occupational therapy's role in increasing efficiency within the system of care as they reduce overall costs (Lamb & Metzler, 2014). It is imperative that the profession continues research that contributes to the value-base of the services provided to support advocacy for a viable continuance of community services for people with IDDs.…”

Using Evidence to Promote the Distinct Value of Occupational Therapy

“…(1) clinical experience and reasoning, (2) preferences of clients and their families, and (3) findings from the best available research. In a recent article, Lamb and Metzler (2014) stretched the boundaries of this framework to include policy implications and discussed the importance of linking the value of occupational therapy to the priorities of the health care system, one of which is managing chronic conditions. According to Berwick, Nolan, and Whittington (2008), value can be determined through the model of the triple aim, a concept developed to frame better ways to provide health care while reducing costs (Beasley, 2009).…”

“…Berwick and colleagues identified the goals of triple aim as "(1) improving the individual experience of care, (2) improving the health of populations, and (3) reducing the per capita costs of care for populations" (p. 760). The triple aim provides the mechanism to link existing evidence to occupational therapy's role in improving quality of care, increasing the efficiency of the system, and reducing health care costs (Lamb & Metzler, 2014).…”