Integration in action - Why OT is the centre of joined-up care

By Michaela White, Clinical Manager & Occupational Therapist, AJM Choice.

Every successful rehabilitation journey depends on teamwork, and at the centre of that team, you’ll almost always find an Occupational Therapist. As OTs, we see the bigger picture. We understand how the small details, posture, fatigue, transfer technique, access, routine, all link together to affect someone’s daily life. Our role is to bring those pieces together and make sure every part of a care plan works in harmony.

That’s what we mean by joined-up care and why OT is so central to it.

The integrator in every system

In both NHS and private settings, OTs act as the connector between multiple disciplines. We’re the ones assessing how clinical recommendations translate into everyday life.

A physio might focus on improving strength. A speech therapist might support communication. A social worker might help arrange care packages.

But the OT looks at how all those elements fit together, how the environment, the person, and the equipment interact to make independence possible. Without that coordination, progress can stall. With it, everything moves forward.

Why integration matters

Joined-up care doesn’t just make systems more efficient, it makes outcomes more meaningful. When a person leaves hospital, for example, they don’t experience their recovery in compartments. Their mobility, mental health, relationships and routines are all connected. If one part fails, everything is affected.

An integrated approach ensures that what happens in clinic carries through at home, school, or work. It’s about creating continuity so that people don’t just recover ,they rebuild. It also gives professionals the shared insight they need to respond quickly when things change, reducing the risk of setbacks and preventing people from falling through the cracks.

True integration means everyone, from clinicians to families, is working toward the same goal which is sustained independence and quality of life.

Bringing people together

At AJM Choice, collaboration sits at the heart of what we do. We work closely with suppliers, clinicians, and clients to make sure that every solution, from wheelchairs to seating systems, supports the individual’s broader goals.

For me personally, that’s the most rewarding part of OT. seeing professionals and families come together around a shared vision of what’s possible. And that’s why events like The OT Show are so valuable. They remind us that knowledge sharing and teamwork are essential to progress. By learning from each other, across sectors, disciplines, and experiences, we strengthen the quality of care everywhere.

Moving forward together

Integration isn’t a luxury. it’s a necessity.

For every person we support, it means smoother transitions, fewer gaps in care, and more chances to live fully. So, as we look beyond OT Week and the OT Show, and instead towards the future of rehabilitation, let’s keep promoting partnership. Let’s keep breaking down silos. And let’s keep putting Occupational Therapy at the centre of joined-up care, where it belongs.