News from Udruzenje radnih terapeuta u Bosni i Hercegovini, (Bosnia & Herzegovina)
The Association of Occupational Therapists in Bosnia and Herzegovina organised several events on the occasion of World OT Day.
First, in cooperation with the Department for Civil Protection and Professional Territorial Fire and Rescue Units of the City of Banjaluka, members of the Association held a workshop called “Helping people with disabilities – accessibility and challenges that members of civil protection may face”.
The next day at the Institute for Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Orthopaedic Surgery “Dr Miroslav Zotović” in Banjaluka, OTs presented examples of good practice to their colleagues and clients with a focus on robotics and sensory integration.
In a television appearance, Dijana Laštro, President of the Association, spoke about the importance of the profession, education and opportunities for further professional and academic development.
We are also increasing the number of academic titles in our country – Four OTs received their Masters Degree this year. Congratulations to our colleagues!
News from Icelandic Association of Occupational Therapy (Iceland)
The Icelandic Occupational Therapy Association (IOTA) is both a professional organisation and a trade union. Last year we had a period of wage negotiation, and early this year all agreements were in place for the period April 2024 – March 2028. The vast majority of Icelandic OTs work within the public labour market. On October 24th IOTA, among other trade unions in Iceland participated in women’s and non-binary total strike – again. This time because of the 50th anniversary – the first total strike was in 1975 and that was a game changer in Icelandic gender equality struggle. The demands are well described on this website: https://kvennaar.is/english/
In June, 28 OT candidates graduated with a Diploma at Master´s level from University of Akureyri. The weather was perfect and everyone got a red rose, waterbottle and a poster with AOTA´s ethical code. We welcome all of them to be members of the IOTA and to the working field of OTs. Three OTs completed a doctorate this year. Their research were within disability studies, medical science and applied science. OTs with a PhD in Iceland are now 7 in total. This means more research and more possibilities on developing the OT program at the University of Akureyri.
On November 5th we had a symposium to celebrate the World OT day. Around 100 OTs participated. Presentations were on a study on the use of Redesigning Daily Occupation (ReDO®-16) within rehabilitation, another study on intervention and support to clients after an interdisciplinary rehabilitation process using a digital health solution. Furthermore an OT intervention for clients with Long-Covid syndrome and ME were presented. Last but not least there was a talk about using goats as helpers in an innovative therapy for diverse clients. Later in November our IOTA journal for this year was published on our website
News from Ergotherapie Nederland (Netherlands)
Emerging Trends in Dutch Health Care: Implications for Occupational Therapy
The Dutch health-care landscape is undergoing rapid transformation—ranging from new outreach initiatives to innovation in care delivery, digitalisation, and reimbursement. For occupational therapists and the wider COTEC network, these developments require strengthened advocacy, adaptability, and leadership to ensure that Occupational Therapy continues to influence national health priorities.
Women’s Health: A Gap in Care and a Role for Occupational Therapy Advocacy
Health conditions that uniquely or disproportionately affect women—such as heart disease, migraine, osteoporosis, and menopause—remain under-recognised and insufficiently addressed in the Netherlands. Occupational Therapy provides valuable interventions focused on fatigue and pain management, occupational balance, and participation in meaningful roles. By making these profession-specific contributions visible, occupational therapists can advocate for gender-responsive, evidence-based care.
Prevention, Outreach, and Health Literacy
Public health authorities are strengthening outreach to improve participation in cancer screening, particularly among low-income and migrant communities. This increasing focus on prevention provides opportunities for Occupational Therapy to promote accessible and low-threshold services. Occupational therapists address social determinants of health and enable participation in daily life, contributing meaningfully to community health promotion and health literacy.
Digitalisation, Human-Centred Innovation, and Reablement
Workforce shortages are accelerating the adoption of digital and AI-enabled care models. Occupational therapists are crucial in ensuring that such technologies support autonomy and participation. Within reablement programmes, occupational therapists collaborate closely with community nurses and care providers, coaching clients to regain independence rather than taking over tasks. Strengthening education and research can further embed tele-Occupational Therapy, reablement principles, and digital literacy in professional practice.
Reimbursement and Professional Positioning
Occupational Therapy is included in the Dutch basic insurance package, though with limited hours. Demonstrating value, effectiveness, and cost-efficiency through data-driven advocacy remains essential for maintaining and expanding coverage—fully aligned with COTEC’s wider European policy agenda.
New Dutch Brain Injury Guideline
Ergotherapie Nederland has introduced the first Occupational Therapy-specific guideline for acquired brain injury, updating the 2013 stroke guideline. It covers decision-making in practice, self-management, occupational balance, upper-limb function, visual impairments, cognition, work participation, and family support. The guideline (in Dutch) is available alongside webinars and implementation tools.
Conclusion
Across women’s health, prevention, digitalisation, reablement, and reimbursement, Occupational Therapy must continue to advocate for inclusive and participatory care. These developments present important opportunities to strengthen the collective voice of COTEC, ensuring that people are supported in engaging in meaningful occupations throughout their lives.
News from Swedish Association of Occupational Therapists (Sweden)
Strengthening Rehabilitation and Occupational Therapy in Sweden
After years of advocacy by the Swedish Association of Occupational Therapists, the government now proposes a legal requirement for every municipality to appoint a Medical Officer for Rehabilitation (MAR). This long-awaited step is celebrated as a milestone for equal, high-quality municipal healthcare and a significant status boost for rehabilitation. The requirement gives occupational therapists and physiotherapists a clearer role in leadership, quality assurance, and the development of rehabilitation within municipalities. It reinforces rehabilitation as an essential part of healthcare rather than a complementary service and signals a significant status boost for the rehabilitation field.
Sweden Advances National Strategy for Rehabilitation, Habilitation and Assistive Devices
The Swedish government has commissioned the National Board of Health and Welfare to prepare a proposal for a comprehensive national strategy and action plan for rehabilitation, habilitation, and assistive devices. This initiative aims to reduce regional inequalities, strengthen quality and patient safety, and ensure access to rehabilitation across all levels of care. The work will include defining responsibilities, improving competence supply, and creating knowledge-based guidelines for major patient groups.
For the Swedish Association of Occupational Therapists, this is a major professional achievement. The association has long advocated for stronger national governance to reduce disparities and elevate rehabilitation as a core part of healthcare. The proposed strategy is expected to be finalized and presented in 2026.
