title: Occupational therapy: cost-effective solutions for changing health system needs.
abstract: Evidence shows occupational therapy interventions are cost-effective in treating or preventing injury and improving health outcomes in areas such as falls prevention, musculoskeletal injury, stroke rehabilitation, early intervention in developmental disabilities, respiratory rehabilitation and home care. Additional research indicates opportunities for occupational therapy to play an increased role in the management of health outcomes in complex and chronic diseases, pain management, non-pharmaceutical mental health interventions, dementia, end-of-life or palliative care and home care. This article aligns the discussion of health system transformation with literature identifying the cost-effectiveness of occupational therapy in Canada.
authors.affiliation: Public policy officer with the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT), in Ottawa, Ontario. She holds a master's degree in political economy and has worked in health and social policy research and development for the past decade.
authors.forename: Kate
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rexe
authors.affiliation: Director of policy and professional affairs with CAOT. She has been an occupational therapist since 2000 and holds a master's degree in rehabilitation science focusing on family-centred pediatric therapy.
authors.forename: Brenda McGibbon
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Lammi
authors.affiliation: Executive director of CAOT since 1995 and has extensive research and practical knowledge in the areas of health human resources planning, community mobility and professional practice.
authors.forename: Claudia von
authors.initials: Cv
authors.lastname: Zweck
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D003153:Community Health Services; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D018166:Health Care Reform; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000191:economics*; D013727:Terminal Care