Dear all,
I am honored to introduce this edition of our Fall newsletter, shortly after returning from the Governance Day and General Assembly with our Member Associations in Berlin. During those two days, passionate voices from across Europe came together to discuss our shared commitment to strengthening Occupational Therapy practitioners’ voices within the evolving landscape of healthcare services.
This year’s General Assembly struck me once again as a dynamic forum for open exchange of visions and honest debates. We engaged in discussions about the critical role Occupational Therapy practitioners play in enhancing health outcomes, promoting participation, and supporting well-being across diverse populations. Our Member Associations’ representatives shared insights and strategies to advocate for our profession - not only to policymakers but also to the interprofessional team and the wider public who benefit from our work.
A central theme emerged: the need to make Occupational Therapy more visible and to clearly distinguish our unique contributions from those of other professions. In an era where interprofessional collaboration is key to challenges we face not just within the health workforce, but also demographic and epidemiological transitions, it is equally important that our distinct perspective - centered around occupation, participation, and meaningful engagement - remains recognised and valued. These fruitful conversations were not just theoretical; they resulted in actionable commitments. We reaffirmed our dedication to advocating for Occupational Therapy’s integration into European healthcare services at every level. We also agreed to work collectively to address barriers to access, ensuring that Occupational Therapy remains a vital, accessible resource for individuals and communities navigating health challenges. By sharing our successes and learning from each other, we strengthen both our profession and the systems in which we work.
Before this year comes to an end, we remain focused and work integrating the Occupational Therapy voice in policy outputs such as the Harnessing Talent Platform and the Health Technology Assessment Stakeholder Network. We communicate the value of Occupational Therapy through exhibiting at the European Public Health Conference and participating at the EuroHealthNet’s Matchmaking Webinar. And last, but not least, we will be organising a Webinar addressing the current challenge of climate change and its impact on health and gather with our Member Associations to further work on actions to increase visibility and advocate for the Occupational Therapy profession across Europe.
As we look ahead, may we continue to share our passion for Occupational Therapy by highlighting its vital, tangible societal benefits by reducing disability, supporting participation and reintegration, and improving overall quality of life.
Wishing you all a productive and colorful fall season ahead,
Lisa Wetzlmair-Kephart
Vice-President Finance, on behalf of the COTEC Executive Committee