Abstract

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the current state of training in assistive technology(AT) for pediatric physical therapists(PPTs) and pediatric occupational therapists(POTs), in addition, investigate therapists' preferred training methods and contents. The eventual purpose was to suggest the essential fundamental factors to adapt the assistive technology in clinics. METHODS: The subject of this study were 167 therapists(98 PPTs and 69 POTs) who work at general hospitals, welfare center, facilities for the disabled, and special education school in Seoul and Gyeonggi province. Frequency analysis and Chi-squared test were used. RESULTS: Significant numbers of PPTs(66 therapists, 67.3%) and POTs(50 therapists, 72.5%) answered that they had received training in AT. More than 48% answered no training experience or low adequacy in each classification scheme for questions. The most difficulty in the training was indicated by lack of education opportunity(90 therapists, 53.9%). The most required device training was seating and position device training(43 therapists, 21.9%) for PPTs and orthosis and prosthesis device training(29 therapists, 21.0%) for POTs. In assistive technology service, PPTs needed evaluation to AT device training(69 therapists, 35.2%) and POTs needed evaluation to disabilities for AT training(41 therapists, 29.7%). Both therapists answered that the most effective training is continuous education(52 therapists, 31.1%) and college education(48 therapists, 28.7%). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that PPTs and POTs need more opportunities for training in AT. For effective clinical app lication of AT, there should be continuous education such as on-the-job training, mentoring program, technical manual, and college education.

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