Developing an Occupational Therapy Chronic Disease Collaborative

Introduction/Rationale: Globally, chronic diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes are amongst the leading causes of years lived with disability. Chronic disease management is a national priority for reducing hospitalisation and improving quality of life. Historically, occupational therapy has been underutilised in some chronic disease management services. Objectives: The Queensland-based Occupational Therapy Chronic Disease Collaborative was initiated to ‘enhance the capacity for Queensland Occupational Therapists to provide effective and efficient services to enhance the health of Queenslanders living with chronic disease’. Approach: Quarterly teleconferences with webinar visuals were used to promote knowledge and resource sharing, peer support, and consensus development. Whilst the collaborative was an initiative of the public health provider (Queensland Health), membership was purposely expanded to include non- Queensland Health occupational therapists, an Occupational Therapy Australia representative, researchers and academics. Results or practice implications: Five collaborative meetings were held over 2013 and 2014. Challenges included access to technologies and identifying occupational therapists working with chronic disease. Strengths of the collaborative include a gradual increase in momentum, core agenda items, and cross-sector engagement. Conclusion: Collaboratives have the potential to bring together geographically and organisationally diverse occupational therapists for mutual support. Scope, focus, membership and mode of collaboration are important considerations for success