Evaluation of an assessment model to reduce waitlist times for occupational therapy in a rural community health setting.

Objective: Community occupational therapy services have seen an increase in demand over the last three years, resulting in longer waitlist times for service provision, particularly in rural areas where it is difficult to recruit experienced occupational therapists. Utilising a demand management model, the Basic Assessment Model Pre-Screening Tool was developed by a team of Occupational Therapists and allied health assistants to decrease client waitlist times at one rural community health service.

Design: An evaluation of the implementation of an assessment model with comparison of quantitative data pre and post intervention.