Perceptions of Hand Surgery Patients About Occupational Therapy

Abstract

Occupational therapists provide holistic health care and social care and seek to promote health through occupation. This study measured how hand surgery patients who received referrals for occupational therapy perceive occupational therapy and occupational therapists. A cross-sectional online survey was designed to determine the meaning of an occupation, the role of occupational therapists, the services and benefits provided by occupational therapists, the populations served, and the work settings of occupational therapists. This study included 634 patients who responded to the survey (three-fourths were women). Most participants were uncertain about the professional environment of occupational therapists. Approximately one-third of the respondents believed that occupational therapists work at general hospitals. Most participants believed that occupational therapists manage orthopedic conditions and hand injuries; however, the least participants believed that occupational therapists manage cases involving cardiorespiratory conditions. No significant correlation was noted between the participants' overall awareness of occupational therapy and their sex or age. However, a notable statistical relationship was found between the comprehensive knowledge of occupational therapy and the educational level of the participants. To receive the benefits of occupational therapy, it is necessary for the population to be aware of those benefits. Patient perspectives of occupational therapy can help in patient's education and their treatment plan.