Working with OTs OT Pespective

As you know, I’m an occupational therapist, with a specific interest in adaptations. And over the years, as well as working with housing associations, local councils, the NHS and my own private clients, I’ve done a lot of work with mobility manufacturers and retailers.

The reason why is simple: the more clued-up manufacturers and retailers are about what their market wants and needs, the more effective they’ll be at creating the right product and articulating their marketing message.

And who knows what the market wants and needs?

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Me… plus thousands of other OTs.

Getting an OT’s perspective is vital to long-term success, especially considering that in lots of cases, the OT will be the one specifying which products a client requires.

So, with that in mind, I thought I’d just highlight three ways you can engage with OTs to get greater insight into the market needs:

1. Consultancy

Several private OT practices (including ours) will offer retailer and manufacturer consultancy, where they’ll work with you on product development and your marketing messages to ensure that they’re providing something that the market wants, and that they’re articulating their message properly.

I’d highly recommend getting some sort of arrangement with an OT practice, whether formal or informal – the insight you’ll get will be invaluable.

2. Events

The more time you spend with OTs and the more conversations you have, the better equipped you’ll be.

Consequently, it’s really important to get out of the office and face-to-face with OTs.

There are plenty of events up and down the country where OTs congregate, so my advice is – get along to them, exhibit at them, and start building those relationships.

3.Get on mailing lists

You might not be an OT, but you’ll get a great feel for what OTs are thinking and talking about by subscribing to OT email lists and newsletters.

This allows you to understand what the hot topics are, and see where your product fits in.

For a start, I’d recommend subscribing to https://www.facebook.com/groups/DFGChampions/ (Run by Foundations all about adaptations) and https://www.facebook.com/groups/311439915949/ (one of the largest OT Facebook groups all about OT / Equipment and so much more), and – of course – there’s my weekly email, which you can receive just by emailing stuart@promoting-independence.co.uk and letting us know you want to be on the list.

I really hope these tips help you to engage more effectively with OTs, and that in the coming months you’ll gain greater insight with this activity.  My door is always open, so if you want to talk any of this through in more detail, just drop me a line at stuart@promoting-independence.co.uk


Stuart Barrow image

Stuart Barrow of Promoting Independence is a member of the British Association of Occupational Therapists panel and a recognised contributor in the field of home adaptations. His experience is sought by manufacturers and service providers looking for an expert opinion. He also runs the Occupational Therapy Adaptations Conference


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