Occupational therapists' perception of efficacy of sensory integration in Tamil Nadu, India: A Statewide Survey

Abstract

Background: Perception regarding efficacy of any intervention may influence clinical reasoning and treatment choice. Despite the fact that the current evidence on the effectiveness of sensory integration (SI) interventions is equivocal, practitioners use them widely in practice. This could be due to the perceived effectiveness. Objectives: This study aimed to gain an understanding of Tamil Nadu (TN) occupational therapy (TNOT) practitioners' perception of the efficacy of SI interventions in pediatric practice. Study Design: The survey research design was used to conduct this study. A ten-item electronic survey was developed based on the research question. Methods: The survey was e-mailed to 295 occupational therapists in TN identified through convenience sampling. The survey link was also shared on three WhatsApp Messenger groups (TNAIOTA Official Group, OTist Group, and OT Friends Group) with a large number of TN occupational therapists (snowball sampling). Data were collected between March 30, 2018, and April 30, 2018. Results: Forty-nine occupational therapists responded to the survey. Many respondents believed that SI interventions are effective, citing positive therapeutic outcomes and the child-centric nature of the interventions as the reasons behind their beliefs. Respondents also believed that for SI interventions to be effective, therapists' knowledge and skill on SI are critical. Gender, years of experience, additional training on SI, and level of education did not have any influence on practitioners' perceptions regarding the efficacy of SI. Conclusion: Pediatric OT practitioners in TN have a favorable attitude toward SI interventions and use them in practice. Although practitioners report perceived positive therapeutic outcomes, they need validation through clinical research. TNOT practitioners must collaborate with researchers to add to the scientific evidence base of SI.