The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) is starting its new practice guideline development programme with Play and Occupational Therapy. The occupation-focused guideline will be developed following the NICE accredited process and will be the first new guideline to be published by RCOT since 2017.
RCOT is seeking expressions of interest from members with expertise in the topic of play to join the Guideline Development Group (GDG). We are looking for eight occupational therapists from a range of backgrounds including practice, education and research with skills and experience in at least one of the following: critical appraisal, developing a guideline or similar, project leadership or writing professional documents.
The guideline will take two years to develop and the GDG will meet four times during this period with the first meeting planned for 12 May 2020. RCOT expects the new guideline to be published in spring 2022.
Karin Bishop, RCOT Director of Professional Operations, said:
“The importance of play in children’s lives cannot be underestimated: it is one of the main ways children learn and grow. It is through the powerful medium of play that children develop a whole range of skills - physical, cognitive, emotional, social and communication to name but a few. Through participating in this vital occupation, children can learn life skills, such as taking turns, working with others, being creative, problem solving, and using their imagination - all skills that prepare them for adult life. The more we understand the evidence about how to utilise this powerful activity within occupational therapy practice, the better informed our practice will be, so we can provide the best possible services for children.
I urge those with relevant experience to come forward and express an interest in being part of the new Guideline Development Group on Play.”
Members with the appropriate experience interested in joining the group should complete the expression of interest form on the Play and Occupational Therapy Guideline Development Group webpage.