Occupational therapists know that pain is a universal experience and they will encounter people who are living with pain across a broad range of practice areas and settings.

OTA's new capability framework outlines the skills and knowledge occupational therapists can build to better understand the physical, psychological, environmental and societal factors that influence a person’s experience of pain.

The capability framework was designed to apply across a broad range of practice settings, like:

• Community rehabilitation centres
• Inpatient and sub-acute settings
• Private practice
• Specialist pain clinics
• Return to work programs
• Working with older people and aged care settings

Developed in consultation with an expert advisory group, the framework supports understanding of contemporary pain science and how this informs a holistic approach to assessment and therapeutic interventions focused on enhancing engagement and participation in meaningful occupation.

Access the new capability framework here in Resources or Download below.