Number of occupational therapists in the United Kingdom (UK) 2010-2024

In 2024, there were over 55 thousand occupation therapists in the United Kingdom (UK). This is the highest figure in the provided time interval, although the number of occupational therapists has fluctuated quite significantly in the years shown. In the UK, occupational therapists aim to improve how patients can do practical tasks if they have problems doing so because of issues such as disabilities or recovering from operations. 

How many live with chronic illness?

As would be expected, the prevalence of a long-standing condition increases up the age groups. In 2018, almost 60 percent of those aged 55 and over reported that they were living with a pain condition, while approximately 30 percent had been officially diagnosed with one. Additionally, as reported in England in 2017, the prevalence of chronic pain sufferers increases for those in the lowest income quintiles.

Which countries visits the most?

In a survey of selected European countries in 2018, Hungary had the highest share of individuals who consulted an occupational therapist at least once a year with 58 percent. This was followed by Russia with a quarter of respondents visiting at least once a year. At the other end, 85 percent of those in France said they never visit an occupational therapist.