Abstract Background/Aims Rheumatology occupational therapists are integral to multidisciplinary care for people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD), supporting participation in daily activities, employment, and self-management. Unlike rheumatology nursing and physiotherapy, rheumatology occupational therapists in the United Kingdom (UK) have not previously had a dedicated capabilities framework to guide practice, workforce planning or career progression. A national scoping survey highlighted wide variation in roles, confidence with core competencies, and access to training, reinforcing the need for a structured, consensus-based framework. Methods Building on the survey findings, an expert working group of rheumatology occupational therapists from all four UK nations, alongside physiotherapists and researchers, was convened through the British Society for Rheumatology (BSR). Members were identified via survey respondents who had expressed interest in contributing. The group co-developed the draft framework through three online meetings between September 2024 and April 2025. The framework was then aligned with national and international guidance, including the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), BSR, European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR), and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) to ensure consistency with best practice standards in rheumatology care and occupational therapy. Wider consultation followed with patient organisations, educators, regulators and public contributors. Iterative revisions led to submission for endorsement by RCOT and BSR. Results The final Rheumatology Occupational Therapy Capabilities Framework defines the specialist knowledge, skills, values and behaviours required of rheumatology occupational therapists and support workers. Four domains were identified: (1) Clinical knowledge and understanding of rheumatological conditions; (2) Assessment, intervention planning and evaluation; (3) Governance, quality and evidence-based practice; and (4) Leadership, education and workforce development. The framework is structured using the NHS Agenda for Change (AfC) bands, as well as being mapped to the RCOT Career Development Framework descriptors from Foundation to Consultant level. Stakeholder consultation and integration of the patient voice strengthened its relevance and applicability across diverse services and settings. Endorsement processes with RCOT and BSR are underway, with dissemination planned through publication of the framework and a peer-reviewed report of its development. Conclusion This is the first UK-wide, evidence-informed capabilities framework for rheumatology occupational therapists. It provides a national reference point for workforce planning, education, service development, and visibility of the profession. Implementation will promote consistency, sustainability, and better outcomes for people with RMD. At a time of NHS strain, it demonstrates how rheumatology occupational therapists can continue making a meaningful impact and why ensuring their inclusion within multidisciplinary rheumatology teams really matters. Disclosure Y. Prior: None. W.J. Gregory: None. S. Battista: None. P. Bisset: None. S. Derham: None. D.M. Dockrell: None. C. Livesey: None. S. Lyle: None. S. Munakhya: None. R. Murphy: None. G. O’Callaghan: None. K. O’Donnell: None. J. Perkins: None. C. Pidgeon: None. H. Steer: None. S. Tuson: None. E. Walker: None. G. Williams: None.
Prior et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
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