Frequent Asked Questions

Frequent Asked Questions

What is Occupational Therapy (OT)?
Fact Sheet
Who benefit from OT?
How can I become an OT?
How can I join the OT Profession?
What is meant by C.P.D?
Where do OT’s work?
How can I get involved in the M.A.O.T?
What is the Role of M.A.O.T.?
How can I become an M.A.O.T. member?

1. What is Occupational Therapy (OT)?

Occupational Therapy is a paramedical health care profession, which helps individuals to live as independently as possible. OT begins by assessing the patient to ascertain the problem areas and design a plan of action. The plan will be based on the individuals own lifestyle and personal preferences. OT’s look at all facets of an individual life, the physical, mental, social and emotional needs. The aim is to improve independence in the activities of daily living which can range from washing oneself, eating, shopping, going to work, engaging in hobbies or socializing/participating in community life.

2. Fact Sheet

To date, there are 94 Occupational Therapists registered with the C.P.S.M. (Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine – Malta). This list includes those OT’s working in the Governmental Health Sector, some foreigners, persons residing abroad, persons currently on parental leave, those working in allied health departments as well as those working in the private sector. Currently, in government employment, there are 49 workers of which 33 are full-timers and 16 are on reduced hours (Dec’05).

3. Who benefit from OT?

Clients suffering from a variety of conditions can benefit from OT:

·        Neurological Conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis and head injuries.

·        Orthopedic Conditions following falls, sports injuries or accidents.

·        Heart Attacks, angina, bypass surgeries.

·        Arthritis (RA/OA).

·        Spinal Cord Injuries

·        Amputations

·        Burns

·        Upper Limb Hand injuries.

·        Work related injuries including RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) or lower back problems.

·        Cognitive Problems

·        Mental Health Problems including Alzheimer’s, Schizophrenia or Post-traumatic Stress.

·        Cancers

·        Terminal Illness.

·        Substance Abuse (Alcohol, drugs)

·        Frail elderly

·        Paediatrics: Birth Defects, developmental disabilities/delay, learning problems.

·        Geriatrics: Social Problems including home adaptations and recommending aids and equipment.

·        Community/environment problems including adaptations.

4. How can I become an OT?

The Institute of Health Care, University of Malta holds biannual courses leading to a B.Sc. Honours Degree. The Duration of the course is four years and also requires the writing up of a thesis on an approval subject.

The Entry Requirements are as follows:

·        2 MATSEC Advanced, one of which has to be Biology at Grade C or better.

·        3 MATSEC Intermediates.

·        Systems of Knowledge.

5. How can I join the OT Profession?

Persons possessing a recognized qualification either obtained locally or abroad would first need to register with the CPSM.

Those interested, should write to the CPCM, enclosing a C.V. and true copies of certificates.

The Registrar

(Council for Professions Complementary to Medicine (CPCM)

Palazzo Castellania,

15, Merchants Street,

Valletta.

Following approval and registration, you will be eligible to apply for a post as an OT with the Government when a call for applications is issued or else apply within the private sector.

6. What is meant by C.P.D?

C.P.D stands for Continuing Professional Development. All Occupational Therapists are obliged and expected to continuing keeping abreast of new developments within the profession by regularly attending talks, seminars, courses or workshops offered by professional organizations, as well as by reading latest articles in OT and allied health journals and research in journals and books.

7. Where do OT’s work?

There are OT’s in the Government Sector as well as working privately namely:

·        Mater Dei Hospital Hospital – General Hospital Tal- Qroqq (near University of Malta).

·        Karin Grech Hospital (SLH) - Geriatric Rehabilitation and CDAU (Child Development Assessment Unit).

·        SVPR/St Vincent De Paule Residence, Luqa – An elderly institution.

·        Mount Carmel Hospital, Attard – A Psychiatric Hospital.

·        Community Psychiatric Day Centre - Qormi, Zejtun, Poala and Bormla.

·        Boffa Hospital, Floriana – Hospital for neuro rehab, oncology and dermatology.

·        Gozo General Hospital, Gozo – a general Hospital.

·        Ta’ Ibragg Psychiatric Hospital, Gozo .

OT’s are also employed in various other sectors such as The Health Promotion Dept., Head Office, Eden Foundation, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (Kummissjoni Nazzjonali Persuni B’Dizabilita’), Arka, Oasi, Appogg, Dar il-Kaptan, Razzett tal-Hbiberija, in schools, old people’s Homes, etc…

8. How can I get involved in the M.A.O.T?

The M.A.O.T. encourages OT, OT aides/assistants and OT Students to become a member. They also welcome persons who wish to become involved in any of the sub-committees within the Association. Should OT’s wish, they may also stand for election during the Annual General Meeting (biannual Elections) held in early July.

9. What is the Role of M.A.O.T.?

·     To act as the National Body for Occupational Therapists in Malta and Gozo.

·      To promote Occupational Therapy in the Clinical, Educational and Research sectors.

·      To establish and maintain professional Ethics.

·      To keep a register of Qualified Occupational Therapists in Malta and Gozo in conjunction with the Council of Professional Supplementary to Medicine.

10. How can I become an M.A.O.T. member?

Simply log on to the Website www.maotwebsite.org, download and print the application form, fill in your details together with the relevant payment and send to:

Ms. Anabel Cortis, Treasurer

C/o Occupational Therapy Dept.,

Karin Grech Hospital,

Telghet G'Mangia, Pieta.