Waiting list targets were introduced in the UK to improve access to healthcare services but have unintended consequences. Occupational therapists feel the targets limit the scope of their work and focus more on quantity over quality. A data collection tool is being developed to gather evidence on the impact of waiting list targets on occupational therapy services, such as larger caseloads and pressure to accept more referrals regardless of appropriateness. Feedback will be collected on the draft tool to finalize it for use by occupational therapists.

1. College of Occupational Therapists Overcoming Difficulties with Waiting List Targets 23rd September 2010 Genevieve Smyth