Name: Razina Patel
Job title: Occupational Therapist
Age: 25
Qualifications: BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
Why did you decide to become an AHP? I decided to become an AHP after completing work experience abroad with children from underprivileged backgrounds. This experience highlighted the rewarding and fulfilling roles available as an AHP, particularly Occupational Therapy, which facilitates recovery and improves quality-of-life through function. I chose to specialise as a Community Occupational Therapist as it provides a holistic approach to treatment and management, addressing physical, psychological and social factors.
How did you train for your role? I completed my A-levels and then went onto study Occupational Therapy at The University of Huddersfield
Length of time in role: Four years
Length of time at BTHFT: 18 months
What do you do? As a Community Occupational Therapist, I treat patients with long-term health conditions who most often have complex co-morbidities in the city of Bradford. My role involves assessing patients in their own environment to enable independence within daily living. This includes assessing functional tasks, completing transfer assessments, and providing aids and adaptations to promote rehabilitation. Therapy input focuses on identifying and setting individualised goals to allow patients to achieve their potential. Treating patients with complex health conditions involves educating family members and encouraging self-management to prevent hospital admissions and deconditioning.
