Local Authority Occupational Therapy Services and Ethnic Minority Clients

An audit was conducted of all current cases on the register of a metropolitan district occupational therapy office by the physical disability team. The ethnic origin, language and religion of clients was established from the records and by direct enquiry. An analysis performed of presenting problems, service response and response times demonstrated that there were significant variations between ethnic groups in the use made of the service. No evidence was found of a systematic bias against the interests of ethnic minority groups in general, but a number of questions were raised. In particular, Asian clients were more likely to be referred by certain channels, to require major works and to waft longer for action.

The implications for service providers should be explored. There is also evidence of ethnic-specific needs. The existing literature relating to ethnicity and occupational therapy, most of which is based on the American experience, is of slight value to consideration of the needs of ethnic minority groups or service providers in the United Kingdom. Social factors, including poverty and housing conditions, affect both needs and outcomes. Future research using Improved ethnic monitoring data and the baseline Information of the 1991 census of population will enlarge the debate and permit service Improvements.