MS Specialist Occupational Therapists (OT)

MS Specialist Occupational Therapists (OTs) are registered occupational therapists that have had specialist training in multiple sclerosis. Their overall aim is to support you to manage your multiple sclerosis and be as independent as possible in your everyday tasks at home, in the workplace, or in education.

What to expect from your MS Specialist Occupational Therapist (OT)

In Dorset, the MS OTs offer a specialist service in fatigue management, work support, and cognition (anything to do with thinking such as memory or concentration issues).

They can provide education on MS fatigue and then work alongside you with targeted therapy goals to help you manage your energy levels and fatigue.

They can provide an assessment of your cognition and provide strategies and support to manage your cognitive symptoms, both at home and work.

They can also provide support with employment and study. They can help you to remain in work or to leave work well.

The MS OTs may refer you to other health care professionals to support you with symptom management in relation to your MS.

You may have many referrals to the OTs over the years, depending on your needs.

It is helpful to come prepared to your OT appointment and write down any questions you may have.

Where might I see my MS OT

Depending on the type of consultation will depend on how the OTs in Dorset see you. This could be face to face in clinic, by video appointment, in a group, or by telephone. In some cases, a home or workplace visit may be offered (specific criteria apply).

Fatigue management is usually held in a group setting at Poole Hospital and follow up appointments from this are conducted by telephone.

Appointments related to cognition are usually conducted face to face at a clinic in Poole Hospital. Follow up from these appointments are by telephone.

Initial work (vocation) appointments are conducted by video consultation. Follow up from these appointments are usually by telephone.

Please see Appointments and clinics section for more details.