Increasing engagement with research by occupational therapists in West Midlands adult social care services
Project Summary
The project aims to enhance research engagement and capacity among occupational therapists (OTs) working in adult social care across the West Midlands.
There are around 200 occupational therapists employed across 14 local authorities in the West Midlands, specialising in interventions that help prevent health inequalities and reduce the need for long-term care. Early evidence review findings indicate that adult social care occupational therapists have limited opportunities to use or contribute to research and develop the evidence base for their work. The project is collaborating with key stakeholders, including people who draw on care and support, to explore ways to improve evidence-based practice and actively support occupational therapists in research participation. The aims are to:
The project is focusing on careers, culture and capacity, and working with occupational therapists, people that have experienced/engaged with OT services and partners to achieve the aims.
Early Progress
- Connected with Royal College of Occupational Therapists and the Elizabeth Casson Trust
- Initial work undertaken to define and refine potential improvement activities
- Online workshops, or hack events to provide opportunities for research related activities.
- Meeting with participatory groups & recruiting a bespoke team of co-creatives
- Surveying occupational therapists to identify priorities, challenges and needs
- A conference is planned for Feb 2026 to showcase the occupational therapists’ work.
Hack Events
We have arranged four “hacks” for 5 August, 1 September and 16 October, at the University of Birmingham. The sessions will provide a chance to collaborate, and plan/support the development of the project’s Theory of Change for wider sharing.
Project Team
Alicia Ridout
demonstrator lead
Alicia Ridout is an occupational therapist who works across the UK, supporting digital safety, innovation and research projects. She is a Fellow of the British Computer Society. She is a doctoral student at York St John University, exploring safe use of Artificial Intelligence to support digitally active older peoples’ independence at home, as they approach referral to Adult Social Care services.
Alicia has been working with IMPACT for almost 2 years, leading a Demonstrator in Leeds and a Tech Network. She has just completed a Delegated Healthcare Activities project, funded by RCOT Innovation Seed fund, to support occupational therapy practice development in adult social care.
Jane Clark
demonstrator lead
Jane is an occupational therapist who has lived and worked in the West Midlands for more than 30 years. Recently retired as an Associate Director of AHPs in Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trustshe has worked across many different clinical, managerial and service redesign roles.
With responsibility for the development of recovery focused services and participation she has extensive experience of working alongside people with lived experience. Jane was a key member of the Birmingham & Solihull Allied Health Professionals council and played a key part in the development of the system wide AHP Strategy.