07/11/2025
This week, occupational therapists across the UK celebrate their much-loved profession with Occupational Therapy Week, coming together to recognise occupational therapy as a fulfilling career for anyone who wants to make a real difference in people’s lives.
We spoke to Sharon Barker, AHP PAG Member and Occupational Therapist at James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough about Occupational Therapy Week and what this means in the context of critical care.
This year’s theme, “Right Support, Right Time: Unlocking the Power of OT,” puts a spotlight on the importance of prevention-focused care, helping people stay well and independent for longer, and reducing the need for crisis interventions. Sharon is passionate about the key role that occupational therapy plays in this process.
“We often work with patients at their most vulnerable following a huge physical and psychological shift within their lives”, says Sharon. “Working together in partnership with our patients and families, we get to know them well and establish what their hopes, fears and goals are in order to create tailored treatment plans to rebuild a life beyond critical illness.”
“Occupational therapy is a vital part of the recovery pathway following critical illness, from admission to discharge and beyond. As specialists in physical, cognitive and emotional recovery, every day in critical care is different and the opportunities to embed occupational therapy earlier into patient care are vast.”
Talking about the importance of occupational therapy within a wider team, Sharon says: “Teamwork is vital. Occupational therapy is an important part of the diverse multi-professional team within critical care. Clear communication and collaboration are essential to ensure that our patients receive the right support at the right time.”
Sharon defines the restorative power of early rehabilitation: “Occupational therapy uses activities of daily living and meaningful occupations to regain physical ability, such as upper limb function and early mobilisation, and cognitive and psychological strategies to optimise individual functional recovery potential.”
Overall, Sharon believes keeping occupational therapy shaped around the individual delivers its impact. “Our professional ethos of asking ‘what matters to you’ keeps patients and their loved ones at the centre of our interventions to optimise quality of life for patients during and after critical illness,” she says.
Happy OT Week to all the incredible occupational therapists and the difference they make with person-centred recovery!
