The Role of the Occupational Therapist in Case Management in South Africa

Authors

  • Kreshnee Govender
  • Chantal Christopher
  • Thanalutchmy Lingah

Abstract

 

Introduction: Case Management is fundamental in managed healthcare and has been identified as an established practice delivered by varied health professionals. The aim of the study was to identify the occupational therapist's role and scope of practice in case management in South Africa.

 

Method: A questionnaire was developed and distributed via Surveymonkey which yielded quantitative and qualitative data.

 

Results: Occupational therapists are in involved in case manager functions and the extent and intensity of involvement depends on the practice area. More than half the respondents (n=43 i.e. 64%) indicated frequent involvement in case management. The majority of respondents indicated that academic preparation in case management would be beneficial at post-graduate level (64%).

 

Conclusions: Case management has been implemented by occupational therapists operationally in disability management and as a component of vocational rehabilitation. A high percentage are involved in advocacy for the client, collaboration with the employer in

 

transitioning the client back to work and the coordination of services to enable a work reintegration which are all recognised as case manager functions with an emphasis on occupational performance. Further research is suggested for formalised training in the field to strengthen the occupational therapist as case manager and for the use of a standard of practice in vocational rehabilitation


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Author Biographies

  • Kreshnee Govender

    Qualifications: B OT (UDW). M OT (UKZN)

    Senior Disability and Incapacity Consultant at Alexander Forbes

    Address: 145 Drewstead Road, Reservoir Hills, Durban, 4091

    Telephone: 071 206 8054

    031 573 8307

    031 262 4552

    Fax: 031 573 8872

    Email: kreshneeg@gmail.com

    govenderkr@aforbes.co.za

     

  • Chantal Christopher

    Qualifications: B OT (UDW), MPhil of Group Therapy (UKZN)

     

    Lecturer, Discipline of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, UKZN

     

    Address: University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Health Sciences, Westville Campus, Occupational Therapy Department

     

    Telephone: 031 260 8218

     

    Fax: 031 260 7227

     

    Email: Christopherc@ukzn.ac.za


  • Thanalutchmy Lingah

    Qualifications: B OT (UDW), MBA (Wales)

    Lecturer: Discipline of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal

    Address: Univeristy of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Health Sciences, Westville Campus, Occupational Therapy Department

    Telephone: 031 260 7310

    Fax: 031 260 7227

    Email: Lingaht@ukzn.ac.za

     

     

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Published

09-08-2018

How to Cite

The Role of the Occupational Therapist in Case Management in South Africa. (2018). South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 48(2), 12-19. https://journals.assaf.org.za/index.php/sajot/article/view/19557
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