The role of occupational therapists in the rehabilitation team

The purpose of this chapter is to define the scope and role of the occu-pational therapist (occupational therapy) within a rehabilitation team. This chapter defines the different types of teams that exist, and presents information across all types. Frequently cited advantages and barriers to teamwork are also discussed. To provide context for the reader, the concepts that are discussed within this chapter are applied to teams working with clients who have experienced a stroke. The principles that are used by occupational therapists working on stroke teams are also applicable to many other clinical populations. Finally, the evidence base for teamwork is discussed, with respect to published studies. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015.