Inclusion and perception of hand therapy content in occupational therapy programs: A mixed-method study

Abstract

Study DesignMixed-methods with cross-sectional survey and interviews. IntroductionHand therapy is a specialty area of practice for occupational (OT) and physical therapists (PT), requiring experience and certification beyond entry-level generalist education. Perspectives and inclusion of content related to hand therapy differs among entry-level OT programs and faculty. PurposePerception and inclusion of hand therapy content in OT programs was examined in this mixed-method study to better understand the trends in academia regarding integration of content related to hand therapy. MethodsA survey was developed, peer-reviewed, and emailed to all accredited entry-level masters and doctorate OT programs via Survey Monkey (SurveyMonkey, Inc., San Mateo, CA). Respondents were also given the opportunity to participate in an interview (n = 2; 5%). ResultsA total of 43 participants responded to the survey, representing a 23% response rate. Quantitative results revealed that 65% of OT programs report including 41+ hours of hand therapy content and 54% report integration of hand therapy content in 2-3 courses. Qualitative trends included the perception of hand content as necessary and beneficial to other areas of practice as well as the perspective that it is too specialized and advanced for generalist curriculum. DiscussionEducators have a largely positive opinion regarding inclusion and generalizability of hand therapy content within OT curricula with varied content inclusion. While hand therapy related content is valued, increased emphasis on occupation during didactic instruction is recommended for more holistic understanding and occupation-based practice. ConclusionWhile trends of hand therapy content inclusion were revealed in the survey, perceptions of hand therapy within the broad spectrum of OT curricula were diverse, indicating a possible lack of unity within the profession regarding this specialty area of practice.