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Abstract
This article explains the protocol drawn up on behalf of the Association of Occupational Therapy in the Netherlands (NVE). It sets out for consultants the method of giving a professional written advice on home adaptations and devices.
In 1994, a change in legislation made the local authorities responsible for the home adaptations and technical aids for their handicapped inhabitants. As the authorities were not adequately staffed, this opened the possibility for occupational therapists (OT's) to work not only as consultants in health institutes but also for the local authorities. At present the local authorities have to contract a consultant with knowledge in the medical, social, ergonomic and technical fields. Occupational therapists have this knowledge. In 1997, because of this development, NVE formed a group of OT's working in this sector to develop a protocol for professional OT advice. The protocol contains:
| 1. | The steps to obtain professional advice | ||||
| 2. | The criteria for contracting an external consultant | ||||
| 3. | The criteria for the “advice” document | ||||
| 4. | The co-operation between the OT advisor and the attending OT. | ||||
The article provides an insight into the capacities of an occupational therapist as consultant for adaptations.
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