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ISTAT Occupational Classification Code

3.2.1.4.1 – Physiotherapists and Rehabilitation Technicians

Physiotherapists and Rehabilitation Technicians

The professions included in this occupational group carry out preventive interventions and, on medical indication, provide functional rehabilitation for motor, psychomotor, cognitive, language and communication disabilities, as well as psychiatric and child neuropsychiatric disorders of congenital origin or resulting from trauma or disease. They use physical, manual, instrumental and occupational therapies; recommend prostheses and assistive devices; train patients in their use; and assess their effectiveness.

Occupational Therapists – (3.2.1.2.8)

The number in brackets is the ISTAT code from the Italian Classification and Nomenclature of Occupations.

WHAT IS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY?

Occupational therapy is a form of treatment for people affected by:

• physical injuries or illnesses;

• developmental disorders;

• ageing-related conditions;

• emotional or social difficulties.

Occupational therapy provides treatment based on purposeful activities that involve both the physical and mental participation of the individuals receiving care.

• Occupational Therapy (OT) is a rehabilitation healthcare profession that promotes health and well-being through occupation.

• It is a rehabilitation process that uses purposeful activity and the many activities of daily living as its main tools. Through individual or group interventions, it addresses the person as a whole, with the aim of supporting physical, psychological and social adaptation and improving overall quality of life, including in the presence of disability.

• It is supported by Occupational Science, a field of scientific research based on the importance of occupation in human life.

• Occupations are the meaningful activities that are appropriate to a person’s cultural context and age, and that each individual chooses, organises and carries out in order to care for themselves, experience fulfilment in life and contribute to the economic and social life of the community (Canadian Association of Occupational Therapy, 1997).

• Occupation is both the goal of OT and the means through which occupational therapists seek to influence bodily functions, including motor-sensory, perceptual-cognitive and emotional-relational abilities. Occupations generally fall into three main areas: self-care, productivity such as work or school, and leisure.

• Occupational therapy is practised in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, health centres, people’s homes, workplaces, schools and residential care facilities.

• Patients are actively involved in the therapeutic process. Occupational therapy outcomes vary according to individual needs, are guided by the patient, and are measured in terms of participation and satisfaction with participation (World Federation of Occupational Therapists).

WHAT DO OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS DO?

• Occupational Therapists (OTs) play an important role in supporting people of all ages.

• Occupational therapy helps people overcome the effects of disability caused by illness, ageing, accidents, and temporary or permanent impairments. Occupational therapists work to enable people to carry out daily and professional activities with the highest possible level of independence.

• They are qualified professionals who help find practical solutions to everyday problems.

• Occupational therapists take into account the person’s physical, psychological, social and environmental needs, providing support that can make a meaningful difference in everyday life, restore a sense of purpose and open up new possibilities.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY CAN SUPPORT PEOPLE WITH:

• Mental health conditions

• Ageing-related needs

• Neuromotor disabilities

• Developmental conditions

• Vocational rehabilitation and return to work

• Stroke

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Multiple sclerosis

• Amputations

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

A.I.T.O.
Italian Association of Occupational Therapy

Registered Office:
Via Angelo Emo 144 – Rome

Member of WFOT
World Federation of Occupational Therapists

Member of COTEC
Council of Occupational Therapists for the European Countries

Member of CONAPS
National Coordination of Healthcare Professional Associations