Right support, Right time: The impact of occupational therapy
As a highly specialist occupational therapist in A&E, Aimilia Zampeli helps patients regain independence and confidence at some of the most challenging moments in their lives. Here, she shares what inspired her to become an occupational therapist, what motivates her in the role, and why early intervention is so important in emergency care.
What attracted you to a career in occupational therapy?
I’ve always been drawn to understanding how people live their everyday lives and how health can shape that. What drew me to occupational therapy (OT) was the chance to make a real difference in someone’s life every day. It’s practical, personal and about helping people get back to what’s meaningful to them, not just focusing on their diagnosis.
I like that it combines problem-solving with empathy and creativity – you have to really understand the person in front of you and what matters to them. OT gives you the tools to make a real difference in people’s lives, wherever you work in the world.
Do you have a typical working day?
There’s no such thing as a typical day in A&E – every shift is different. One minute I might be supporting an older adult who’s had a fall to get home safely, and the next I’m assessing someone’s functional and cognitive abilities after major trauma.
My day often involves rapid assessments, liaising with the multidisciplinary team, problem-solving complex discharge plans, and making sure that patients have the right equipment and community support in place. It’s unpredictable and can be intense, but I like the pace and the teamwork that comes with it.
Aimilia
"I like that occupational therapy combines problem-solving with empathy and creativity – you have to really understand the person in front of you and what matters to them."
The theme this year focuses on “Right Support, Right Time.” What does that mean to you in the context of A&E?
Patients come in at a point of crisis, so early OT involvement helps us identify needs quickly and prevent unnecessary admissions. It’s about being proactive – spotting risks early, putting the right support in place, and giving patients and families the knowledge and guidance they need to manage safely at home.
Early OT input often means a faster, safer discharge and better recovery. Beyond assessing function or arranging equipment, we spend time educating patients and families – showing them how to do tasks safely, giving strategies to prevent falls or further complications, and helping them regain confidence at home. Early OT interventions can reduce readmissions, improve independence, and reassure families that their loved one is supported.
A&E is a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment. How do you work alongside colleagues to ensure patients get the right support at the right time?
Teamwork is everything in A&E. We all work collaboratively, and everyone genuinely feels part of a wider team. Communication is constant, whether it’s during board rounds, at the bedside, or in quick corridor discussions.
I share what I notice about a patient’s function, cognition or home situation with colleagues to help guide their decisions. At the same time, I rely on doctors, nurses, advanced clinical practitioners and other therapists to give their perspective. We all trust each other to make sure patients get the right care, at the right time, without unnecessary delays.
What motivates you about working in occupational therapy, especially in such a high-pressure setting?
What motivates me most is seeing the difference we can make – sometimes within hours.
The impact you can have not just on patients but also on their families, is extremely rewarding. In A&E, you often meet people in crisis, and being able to restore a bit of control, dignity, and hope is incredibly meaningful.
I also love the challenge – every patient’s situation is different, so you have to think fast, adapt, problem-solve creatively and advocate for what’s right for them. This makes you think on your feet and keeps you learning all the time! Even on the busiest days, seeing someone leave safely, supported, and reassured makes it all worthwhile.
Why would you encourage aspiring occupational therapists to pursue a career in occupational therapy based on your experiences?
OT is a unique profession. I’d encourage anyone to become an OT because it’s such a meaningful and varied career. You get to combine practical problem-solving with creativity and empathy, and you can work in so many different areas – hospitals, community, mental health, or even leadership and research. OTs pioneer new ways to support individuals and seeing the real difference you make in people’s lives is incredibly rewarding.
My own journey, moving from Greece to the UK and adapting to different healthcare settings, also showed me how transferable and valuable these skills are. It’s a career that challenges you, inspires you, and gives you a sense of purpose every day.
Finally, something a bit fun! What would you bring to a potluck lunch?
For a potluck lunch, I’d bring pastitsio – the Greek version of lasagna with a creamy topping. It’s hearty, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser.
