This article is the first in a series of two articles about Occupational Therapy and Primary Care. This first article describes the health policy context in which primary health care should be strengthened. A definition of occupational therapy is given and the scope of the profession is explained. Based on a survey amongst the (experts of) member associations of COTEC, an overview is given of the main target groups and how occupational therapy is embedded and organized in different countries. In a position statement it is argued why occupational therapy can and should contribute to a comprehensive integrated primary care and challenges to strengthen the position of the profession are described.

This is the second article in a series of two about occupational therapy and primary care. The first article (see PH&RD….) described the position of the profession in primary care across Europe and the scope of the profession. In this article the broad scope of the profession is illustrated with various examples of occupational therapy interventions. The interventions are identified by means of a literature search. A questionnaire (the questionnaire is available by mailing the author) was sent out to experts across Europe which resulted in both relevant literature and evidence-based examples. The evidence level of these examples differs from expert opinion (5), case series (4), case–controlled studies (3), cohort studies (2) and randomized-control trial (1). The article ends with recommendations in four areas how to develop, establish or strengthen the profession in primary care.

There is a need for a paradigm shift across mental health in primary care to improve the lives of millions of Europeans. To contribute to this paradigm shift, the European Forum for Primary Care (EFPC-MH) working group for Mental Health, produced a Position Paper for Primary Care Mental Health outlining 14 themes that needed prioritizing. These themes were developed and discussed interactively during the EFPC conferences between 2012 and 2019. The Position Paper on Mental Health gives direction to the necessary improvements over the next ten years. The themes vary from preferable healthcare model to the social determinants highlighting issues such as inequalities. The Statement of Mental Health in Primary Care will be established in cooperation with fellow organizations.

Inter-professional education (IPE) can support professionals in developing their ability to work collaboratively. This position paper from the European Forum for Primary Care considers the design and implementation of IPE within primary care. This paper is based on workshops and is an evidence review of good practice. Enablers of IPE programmes are involving patients in the design and delivery, providing a holistic focus, focussing on practical actions, deploying multi-modal learning formats and activities, including more than two professions, evaluating formative and summative aspects, and encouraging team-based working. Guidance for the successful implementation of IPE is set out with examples from qualifying and continuing professional development programmes.

This statement has been produced by the European Region of the World Confederation for Physiotherapy (ER-WCPT) to promote the role of the physiotherapy profession within primary care, to describe the health and economic benefits to health systems and populations of having a skilled, appropriately resourced and utilised physiotherapy workforce in primary care services, and to illustrate how different models of physiotherapy service delivery are contributing to these health and cost benefits.