Occupational therapy and pain management

Occupational Therapists are uniquely placed to support clients who are experiencing acute or persistent pain by applying a holistic approach to assessment and therapeutic interventions that are focused on enhancing engagement and participation in meaningful occupation. Occupational therapists play a key role in multidisciplinary teams working in pain management across a range of settings from inpatient and sub-acute settings to specialist pain clinics, community rehabilitation centres, return to work programs, aged care settings and private practice, bringing an understanding of the physical, psychological, environmental and societal factors that influence a person’s experience of pain.

The framework aims to:

• provide a consistent approach to professional development and supervision for occupational therapists who aspire to or are already working in pain management
• facilitate occupational therapists’ self-reflection and decision making regarding their practice and professional development
• demonstrate the clinical practice expectations of occupational therapists at different proficiency levels
• support advocacy of the role and function of occupational therapist working in pain management to government, funding bodies, employers, managers and other key stakeholders Capability Framework for Occupational Therapists working in Pain Management (v1.0, November 2024)

This framework does not intend to:

• be prescriptive or restrictive
• expect clinicians working in pain management to meet all capabilities listed - capabilities need to be applied to the specific setting/context
• expect clinicians to operate at the same proficiency level across all capabilities

Certain caveats and exclusions apply to this capability framework:

• Generic workplace and setting-based capabilities are not included, as they are considered the responsibility of employers
• Prescriptive guidelines and competencies for specific practices, interventions or tools are not included in this framework
• The capabilities are presented independently, without influence from funding bodies