For someone recovering from a life-changing injury, rehabilitation is rarely straightforward.

The challenges often extend far beyond clinical treatment. Returning home, adapting to a different physical environment, rebuilding family routines, accessing appropriate care and participating in meaningful activities can all become part of a complex rehabilitation journey.

Bringing these elements together requires an understanding of the whole person, their circumstances and the practical barriers affecting their independence.

This is where rehabilitation Case Management can make a difference.

At Stand F03 at The OT Show 2026, Harrison Associates will be highlighting the important contribution Occupational Therapists can make within Case Management and how their clinical experience can help individuals navigate the consequences of serious injury.

From Clinical Assessment to Coordinated Action

Unlike traditional clinical roles, which may focus on specific interventions or treatment pathways, Case Management takes a broader view of the individual's rehabilitation and long-term support needs.

Case Managers coordinate services and professionals, help establish rehabilitation goals, monitor progress and work with individuals and families to ensure that care and support remain aligned with changing circumstances.

For Occupational Therapists, the role builds directly on established professional skills.

Understanding function, identifying barriers to participation, assessing environments and recognising the relationship between physical, psychological and social needs are all central to effective Case Management.

Whether supporting someone following a brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation or complex neurological condition, the objective remains consistent: helping people achieve the greatest possible independence and quality of life.

A Profession Built on Experience and Continuing Development

Dr Joanna Fletcher-Smith, Case Management Service Lead at Harrison Associates, understands the relationship between occupational therapy and rehabilitation Case Management.

An award-winning Case Manager with over 20 years of experience, Joanna's career has encompassed clinical practice, neurological rehabilitation, research, education and leadership.

Her professional background includes stroke, brain injury, trauma, orthopaedics, oncology and long-term disability.

Alongside her leadership responsibilities at Harrison Associates, Joanna is a Director of the Institute of Registered Case Managers, Chair of its Certificate of Proficiency Group and a member of its Professional Development Committee.

She also holds an academic appointment as Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham and has contributed extensively to clinical research, including as Chief Investigator of the NIHR-funded ESCAPS study.

Her work has received several professional honours, including Catastrophic Case Manager of the Year at the CMSUK Awards.

A Different Way to Apply Occupational Therapy Expertise

Joanna's own professional journey demonstrates that a career in occupational therapy does not need to follow a single pathway.

After qualifying in 2002, she progressed through acute NHS and senior occupational therapy roles before developing her interests in neurological rehabilitation and clinical research.

A decade in clinical academia, during which she completed an MPhil and PhD, expanded her research, analytical and professional skills.

Her subsequent move into rehabilitation Case Management brought these experiences together in a role focused on supporting individuals with complex needs.

As Joanna has reflected on her work:

"I still use my OT training and experience every day in my role as a case manager."

Her experience illustrates how occupational therapy remains central to Case Management, even as professional responsibilities extend into rehabilitation coordination, leadership and the management of complex support arrangements.

Meet Joanna and the Harrison Associates Team at Stand F03 at The OT Show 2026 if you are passionate about helping people to rebuild their lives following catastrophic injury. 

Your knowledge and experience can play an important role in guiding outcomes that affect rehabilitation, care planning, and independent living. 

About Harrison Associates 

With over 35 years of experience, Harrison Associates provides specialist Catastrophic Case Management and Expert Witness services across the UK, working with experienced healthcare professionals in personal injury and clinical negligence matters. 

Website: harrison.associates