Self-Reported Experience with Safe Transport of Children with Special Healthcare Needs

Abstract

Minimal information is available to occupational and physical therapists (rehabilitation therapists) regarding the safe transportation of children who have special healthcare needs (CSHCN). CSHCN may have conditions that impact their ability to be properly restrained in motor vehicles. We conducted an online survey of rehabilitation therapists to determine knowledge, formal training, experience and the amount of counseling provided to families regarding the safe transport of CSHCN before beginning an online training course. Eighteen percent (1075 of 6000) of invited rehabilitation therapists agreed to participate in the online survey. Most of the registered participants were physical therapists (70%) or occupational therapists (18%). A majority reported having little or no knowledge (53%), formal training (79%), or experience (54%), and conducted little or no counseling (61%) with families on the subject. The results of this survey indicate that rehabilitation therapists rate themselves as having low levels of knowledge, training, experience, and counseling of families regarding the subject of safe transportation of CSHCN. We recommend the development and implementation of a continuing educational program for rehabilitation therapists regarding the safe transportation of CSHCN.