By: Bella Cairns

I am an occupational therapist (OT) working in Ontario. I have had the opportunity to work alongside individuals living with arthritis in an outpatient hand therapy and inpatient mental health setting. Although I don’t live with arthritis myself, I have learned a lot from clients, colleagues, and collaborative projects about how to best support those navigating arthritis and similar conditions. In this blog post, I’ll share some of the facilitators and barriers I’ve encountered in practice when recommending interventions for those living with arthritis.

What helps OTs support people living with arthritis:

• Collaborations with Patient-Led Organizations: I have had the opportunity over the last two years to work with CAPA. In 2023 (as a student) I connected with individuals living with arthritis for the “Life Hacks & Gadgets Project” which allowed me to understand your creative solutions for living well with arthritis.
• Team-Based Practice: Working in a team-based setting with other healthcare providers allows for collaboration and creative problem-solving. For example, in a hand therapy setting OTs work closely with physicians to build treatment plans centered around the client’s goals (often relating to improved upper limb functioning and ability to engage in meaningful activities of daily living).
• Client Collaboration: When clients are active participants in their care, we are better able to co-create meaningful, personalized solutions. You know your body and your life best!
• Ongoing Learning and Professional Development: I have attended several upper limb and hand therapy conferences, as well as engaged in workshops to fabricate custom thermoplastic splints. As a student at McMaster University, I was provided learning opportunities related to energy conservation, adaptive equipment, joint protection, and more…
• Adaptive Tools: Being aware of the large variety of accessible devices and tools on the market – even if they are not advertised for those living with arthritis.

Challenges OTs Encounter to support people living with arthritis:

• Limited Insurance Coverage for OT Services: Many insurance policies do not cover occupational therapy services which can limit the number of visits we have with a client due to financial restraints. Additionally, due to the lack of coverage, I am often hesitant to recommend treatment options or devices that have a high cost associated with them as it may be inaccessible to my clients.
• Time Constraints and High Caseloads: Like many healthcare providers, OTs often manage large caseloads, which can limit the time we spend with each client. This limited time can impact our ability to dive deeply into individualized solutions and treatment options.
• Gaps in Research: There is limited scientific literature regarding the use of adaptive equipment and devices for those living with arthritis (as shown through the evidence-based projects completed by McMaster students in collaboration with CAPA). Increased research in this area would support OTs abilities to provide evidence-based care and access a wider range of solutions to discuss with clients.
• Generalist Nature of OT Education: There is limited time throughout the OT program dedicated to learning about any particular diagnosis. This means OTs must seek out opportunities to learn more in order to better support their clients individual needs.

As OTs, we are constantly learning—both from our clients and colleagues. By honoring lived experience, increasing research efforts to address gaps in the literature, advocating for access to care, and embracing collaborative client-centered care, we can continue to improve how we support people living with arthritis.

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