Majority Of Therapists Research Articles

Correlation of Handgrip Strength with Thumb Flexibility, Strength and Pain in Manual Therapists

Objective: To find the correlation bwteen hand grip strength with thumb muscle strength, flexibility and thumb pain in manual therapists and to find out the variation of these variables in healthy manual therapists. Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional Study. Place and Duration of Study: Pakistan Society of Rehabilitation and Disability, Jinnah Hospital, Ittefaq Hospital, and Riphah University Pakistan, from Nov 2021 to Jan 2022. Methodology: One hundred thirty-five manual therapists were enrolled. Informed consent was taken from participants meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. The questionnaire was filled out using a Dynamometer for Handgrip strength check, a Manual Muscle testing technique for Thumb muscle strength check, a Numeric pain rating scale for Pain intensity, and Goniometry for Flexibility of the Thumb muscles. Results: Results showed that most manual therapists had no wrist pain (99,73.3%) or thumb pain (104,77%). The majority of therapists (116 ,85.9%), had less than normal grip strength of hand, and 58(43%) had maximum thumb strength. There was a positive correlation between grip strength and thumb strength (r=0.234). There was a negative correlation between grip strength and thumb pain (r=-0.077). Conclusion: The study concluded that most manual therapists did not suffer from wrist and thumb pain. The majority had good thumb muscle strength but poor hand grip strength. Thumb strength positively correlates with grip strength, while thumb pain negatively correlates with handgrip strength.

Therapists' Perspectives on Changes in the Therapeutic Relationship after Switching from in-Person to Online Video Therapy Due to Corona: A Qualitative Analysis

The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which the therapeutic relationship changed as a result of the COVID-19-related switch from face-to-face to video therapy. Twenty-one psychotherapists, who had changed the setting of therapy from face-to-face to video therapy were interviewed. The interviews were then transcribed, coded and superordinate themes were created in the context of a qualitative analysis. More than half of the therapists reported that the therapeutic relationship with their patients remained stable. In addition, the majority of therapists described uncertainties in dealing with and responding to non-verbal signals, as well as maintaining an appropriate distance to their patients. Overall, both an improvement and a deterioration of the therapeutic relationship was reported. The stability of the therapeutic relationship was mainly attributed to the therapists' previous face-to-face contact with their patients. The uncertainties expressed could be interpreted as risk factors for the therapeutic relationship. Although the sample represented only a small portion of working therapists, the findings from this study represent an important milestone in understanding how psychotherapy has changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The therapeutic relationship remained stable despite the change from face-to-face to video therapy.

Outpatient speech and language therapy via videoconferencing in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic: Experiences of therapists / Videotherapie in der ambulanten Logopädie/Sprachtherapie in Deutschland während der COVID-19 Pandemie: Erfahrungen von Therapeut/innen

Abstract During the COVID-19 pandemic, videoconferencing as a synchronous form of telepractice service delivery models received a boost. In Germany, online-only sessions are not a standardised means of healthcare provision, while telepractice is already well established internationally. This study examines videoconferencing in outpatient speech and language therapy during the first period of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. The experiences of therapists are reported in this study. For this quantitative study, data were collected by an online survey. Speech and language therapists in Germany were surveyed (n = 816). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The results demonstrated that 87% of participants used videoconferencing in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Videoconferencing was conducted with patients of different ages and disorder indications. In their use of videoconferencing, 78% of therapists described benefits. The mentioned benefits and limitations are similar to international findings, showing the potential for synchronous speech and language therapy via videoconferencing. German therapists display a general acceptance of the sustainable use of videoconferencing, and the majority of therapists can imagine transferring videoconferencing to standard healthcare.

Predicting a Rapid Transition to Telehealth-Delivered Parent–Child Interaction Therapy Amid COVID-19: A Mixed Methods Study

The sudden onset of COVID-19 forced mental health therapists to rapidly transition to telehealth services. While some therapists and organizations were able to achieve an expeditious transition, others struggled. Using the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) framework, which outlines key phases that guide the implementation process, the current mixed methods study examined what factors predicted the transition to internet-based Parent–Child Interaction Therapy (iPCIT), a telehealth-delivered evidence-based practice (EBP). We investigated two areas related to the transition: (1) if PCIT therapists transitioned to provide iPCIT and (2) if they made this transition quickly. In Fall 2019, 324 therapists completed a survey about implementing PCIT. After stay-at-home orders, 223 of those therapists completed a follow-up survey about their transition to telehealth, organizational characteristics, their caseloads, and telehealth training. The majority of therapists (82%) transitioned to provide iPCIT, with 48% making the transition in less than a week. Open-ended responses indicated that therapists who did not transition-faced challenges related to limited client resources, a lack of training, and organizational delays. Qualitative findings informed predictors for two logistic regression models that are statistical models that predict the probability of an event occurring, with criterion variables (1) whether therapists transitioned to provide iPCIT and (2) whether they transitioned in less than a week. Results showed that caseload in Fall 2019 and receipt of iPCIT training were associated with iPCIT transition. Organizational setting, resiliency, and baseline caseload predicted rapid transition to iPCIT. Implications regarding supporting the implementation of telehealth delivery of EBPs are discussed.

Exploring Practice Patterns of Pediatric Telerehabilitation During COVID-19: A Survey Study.

Background and Objective: Sudden transition to telerehabilitation during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was challenging for pediatric therapists, including physical therapists and occupational therapists, due to lack of prior experience and knowledge. The primary goal of the current study was to survey the pediatric therapists regarding the practice trends and specific challenges/strengths of delivering telerehabilitation during the pandemic. Materials and Methods: An electronic survey was developed by the research term and validated through cognitive interviews with three pediatric therapists. A total of 107 therapists completed the survey. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the trends for the survey questions. Results: The majority of therapists (92.5%) reported no prior experience with telerehabilitation. When comparing telerehabilitation with standard-of-care, the therapists reported similar session durations and frequencies, but greater caregiver-initiated cancellations of telerehabilitation sessions. Furthermore, a greater percentage of therapists modified the intervention activities compared with assessments, which impacted therapists' perceptions about quality of telerehabilitation as a greater percentage of therapists expressed confidence in treating children compared with assessing children virtually. One of the commonly reported telerehabilitation challenges was reduced virtual engagement of children, and strength was better assessment of home environment. Lastly, a greater percentage of therapists relied on consultations and fewer therapists used empirical evidence to guide their delivery of virtual care. Conclusions: Telerehabilitation is a cost-effective health care model that offers remote accessibility and flexible scheduling. However, several limitations in the current pediatric telerehabilitation model, including lack of teleassessments and empirical evidence, could limit post-COVID use of telerehabilitation.

The value of a short practical training course for newly qualified therapists working with children with cerebral palsy in South Africa.

BackgroundCerebral palsy (CP) is the most common and most complex disabling disorder in children. Newly qualified therapists are expected to manage CP despite feeling inexperienced and inadequately prepared. Short postgraduate practical training courses could potentially help bridge this readiness gap. However, the value of these short courses in addressing the knowledge and experience gap is unknown.ObjectivesTo establish the value of a short practical training course on the self-perceived readiness of newly qualified South African trained therapists to work with children with CP.MethodSecondary analysis of records on therapists’ immediate evaluation of a short practical training course on CP management was completed. The analysis included records from 11 courses collected over a 2-years period (2015–2017). Paired t-tests were used to determine the change in knowledge in the quantitative questionnaire. Qualitative data were analysed inductively to determine themes.ResultsThe majority of therapists had their expectations met by the course. Therapists’ self-perceived level of knowledge about various aspects of CP after the course changed significantly. Therapists appreciated the adult teaching and learning methods, conducive learning environment, the relevant and organised content and holistic approach of the course. They demonstrated readiness to adopt positive attitudes, perceptions and practice following the course.ConclusionA short practical postgraduate training course in CP is valuable in addressing the self-perceived lack of readiness amongst therapists with little experience in this area. It is capable of improving the knowledge and changing attitudes, perceptions and practice intentions positively, and thereby potentially improving the quality of service offered to children with CP.

An investigation of the acute management of closed intra-articular fractures of the proximal interphalangeal joint in Ireland

PurposeMany treatment methods for intra-articular fractures of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint are described in the literature without a consensus on the most effective approach. The purpose of this study was to investigate the methods of treatment of PIP joint fractures being used by trauma surgeons in the Republic of Ireland currently and the timing of referral to therapy.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional descriptive study methodology was used to survey trauma surgeons, occupational therapists and physiotherapists in Ireland. An online platform was used. A total of 21 surveys were returned by surgeons and 37 by therapists. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to present the results.FindingsBuddy strapping was reported as the primary treatment method for stable PIP joint fractures. All levels of fracture severity were reported to be treated using traction constructs, which include static and dynamic fixation and orthoses. Unstable fractures were managed using open reduction with internal fixation by 50 per cent of surgeons. Early timing of referral to therapy is reported by more surgeons than therapists. The majority of therapists indicated that they did not have the resources to see patients at the optimal time.Originality/valueTo the authors’ knowledge, this study provides the first description of the management of PIP joint fractures across the Irish health service. The findings of this study suggest that additional therapy resources are required within the health service executive to facilitate the desired early referral to therapy and to enable service development for this category of hand fractures.

Therapy Dogs in Couple and Family Therapy: A Therapist’s Perspective

The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand therapists’ strategies, benefits, and challenges in working with therapy dogs in couple and family therapy. Eight individuals participated in semi-structured interviews; areas of inquiry included how therapists made the decision to work with a therapy dog, how the therapy dog was managed in session, the impact of the therapy dog’s presence in the therapy process, and concluded with recommendations for therapists who aspire to work with canine-assisted psychotherapy (CAP) in their practices. The data were analyzed using transcendental phenomenology. The findings suggest that the majority of therapists who use CAP with couples and families find it to be beneficial for their clients, the therapy dog, and the therapists themselves, with the identification of a few challenges. Participants reported that compared to individual therapy, in which the therapy dog is included to fulfill a treatment goal or enhance a therapy model, in couple and family therapy, the therapist was much more flexible in regards to the therapy dog’s presence. Overall, therapists observed the system’s dynamics as family members interacted with the dog. Additionally, the majority of participants reported on the therapy dog’s ability to help the therapist better understand their clients and the dog’s presence also helped to overcome challenges particular to working with more than one client. Clinical and research implications are discussed.

Qualitative Reports of How and When Therapists Adapt Children’s Evidence-Based Practices during Community Implementation

This study analyzed qualitative therapist reports of adaptations to the delivery of multiple evidence-based practices (EBPs) within the context of a system-driven reform of children’s community mental health services to understand how therapists adapt EBPs as well as contexts of these adaptations to identify when these adaptations are made. The study sought to complement and expand upon previous quantitative survey findings of two categories of Augmenting and Reducing/Reordering adaptations to EBPs. Data included interviews from 60 therapists (88.3% female, 61.7% Latina/o, 80.0% unlicensed) across 20 program sites in 11 mental health agencies that served racial/ethnically diverse children. Interviews were coded to identify themes surrounding the types of adaptations made and the contexts for these adaptations. The majority of therapists’ qualitative descriptions of adaptations converged with the 2 broad categories in the Augmenting and Reducing/Reordering Framework, with therapists describing augmenting (e.g., modifying presentation, lengthening or extending pacing) most often, and reducing/reordering adaptations were discussed less frequently. Child and family characteristics were most frequently cited as indications prompting adaptations; however, the specific characteristics motivating adaptations differed by type. Therapists reporting using augmenting adaptations in the context of a wide range of client characteristics, whereas reducing/reordering adaptations occurred more specifically as a function of clinical presentation, family and caregiver functioning, and emergent life events. Therapists described making adaptations to improve the fit of multiple EBPs for the clients they served. Findings could have implications for implementation efforts with diverse clients served in community settings.

Community Therapist Reports of Client Engagement Challenges During the Implementation of Multiple EBPs in Children’s Mental Health

ABSTRACTThis study investigated therapist reports of client engagement challenges in delivering evidence-based practices (EBPs), within the context of a large-scale implementation of multiple practices in children’s mental health services. Data were drawn from an online survey of 668 therapists (88% female, 35.0% Non-Hispanic White). The majority of therapists (75.4%) endorsed at least one client engagement challenge during their implementation of an EBP with an identified client over the previous two months. Two types of EBP client engagement challenges with distinct correlates but similar overall frequencies could be readily differentiated – Expressed Client Concerns and Limited Client Engagement in therapy activities. Limited Client Engagement were more commonly reported for clients with externalizing problems and by therapists with higher emotional exhaustion and negative perceptions of the specific EBP being delivered, whereas Hispanic/Latino therapists were less likely to report Limited Client Engagement. In contrast, Expressed Client Concerns were more commonly reported by therapists with positive general attitudes towards EBPs, and among therapists delivering a parent training EBP. Limited Client Engagement but not Expressed Concerns were linked with therapists’ self-reported ability to carry out the EBP with the target client. Findings suggest that client engagement challenges are frequent during the delivery of EBPs, but may impact implementation differently based on whether they relate to challenges in engaging clients in therapy activities versus addressing concerns raised by clients

EMBRacing Racial Stress and Trauma: Preliminary Feasibility and Coping Responses of a Racial Socialization Intervention

The goal of this article is to report initial feasibility and coping response data from a pilot study of a new five-session intervention (Engaging, Managing, and Bonding through Race [EMBRace]) for Black families utilizing racial socialization to address stress and trauma from racial encounters. Ten caregiver and youth dyads were enrolled and completed the EMBRace intervention. Feasibility was based on a closed-option survey for therapists as well as open-ended participant responses to program satisfaction post-intervention. Responses to stress management were assessed via repeated measures of self-reported coping strategies throughout the sessions. EMBRace was deemed to be acceptable by the majority of therapists and participants with regard to discussing racial encounters. Participant responses were categorized into five primary codes, including advice, clinician approach, program changes, likes, and dislikes. Participants’ coping data throughout the intervention indicates changes in the hypothesized direction (e.g., increased attention to and identification of stressor and decreased stress). The pilot data indicate the desirability of the intervention as well as useful participant feedback for future iterations of EMBRace.

Goal Development Practices of Physical Therapists Working in Educational Environments

ABSTRACTAims: The aims of this study were to (1) describe the practices that school-based physical therapists use in developing student goals, and (2) identify facilitators and barriers to development of goals that are specific to participation in the context of the school setting. Methods: 46 school-based physical therapists who participated in a previous study on school-based physical therapy practice (PT COUNTS) completed a questionnaire on goal development. Frequencies and cross tabulations were generated for quantitative data. Open-ended questions were analyzed using an iterative qualitative analysis process. Results: A majority of therapists reported that they frequently develop goals collaboratively with other educational team members. Input from teachers, related services personnel, and parents has the most influence on goal development. Qualitative analysis identified five themes that influence development of participation-based goals: (1) school-based philosophy and practice; (2) the educational environment, settings, and routines; (3) student strengths, needs, and personal characteristics; (4) support from and collaboration with members of the educational team; and (5) therapist practice and motivation. Conclusion: Goal development is a complex process that involves multiple members of the educational team and is influenced by many different aspects of practice, the school environment, and student characteristics.

'Keeping in Touch': Using the internet in speech and language therapy

Use of technology in health care has risen exponentially in recent years alongside the increased demand for healthcare services. In a climate of rising healthcare costs innovations in the use of technology may provide a cost effective means of interacting with clients. Programmes such as Skype enable sound and video calls between devices. Remote live interactions using Skype could improve the quality of care by increasing the level of accessibility, reach and convenience between health professionals and their clients. In Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) there may be additional benefits to care being provided in the clients’ natural environment via videoconferencing as the surroundings are more meaningful to them. Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) in private practice are implementing its use, despite limited evidence of its effectiveness. We aimed to address this issue and provide data on its use within clinical practice in an NHS setting. In a prospective pilot study, seven SLTs and their multiple clients were provided with tablet computer devices to enable them to have ‘virtual sessions’ via Skype instead of ‘face to face’ consultations. We incorporated an evaluation into the pilot and assessed client and therapists perceptions of using Skype instead of face to face contact. Information on resource savings, e.g. time to travel to clinic, travel costs, was collected with a questionnaire app on the device that sent this anonymised data to a remote server at the university. Clients and therapists were also interviewed at the end of the pilot. Implementing the service required governance and clinical practice within the Trust to be accommodated. There were few technical difficulties encountered throughout the pilot, and any encountered were addressed quickly. The majority of therapists and clients were overwhelmingly International Digital Health and Care Congress, The King’s Fund, London, September 10-12 2014. International Journal of Integrated Care – Volume 14, 01 November – URN:NBN:NL:UI:10-1-116533– http://www.ijic.org/ positive about the use of Skype and cited multiple benefits relating to convenience, time saved, reduced costs of travel and greater flexibility of access to the service and clients. These included SLTs offering multiple shorter ‘virtual’ sessions in the home, instead of a longer session in school, negating the need to take the child out of lessons and greater engagement in therapy by clients. The presentation will discuss some practical issues with delivery therapy ‘virtually’ and highlight the benefits to SLTs and their specific clients.

Hand therapist use of patient report outcome (PRO) in practice: A survey study

PurposeThe purpose of this survey was to gain greater insight into hand therapists' use of Patient Report Outcome (PRO) measures. MethodsAn 11-question survey that evaluated therapists' perceptions, preferences, and patterns of use of patient report outcome measures was sent to members of ASHT. ResultsA total of 633 ASHT members participated in the survey study. A large majority of participants (92%) responded affirmatively to using a PRO measure in practice. The DASH was reported as the most frequently used measure (90%). The majority of therapists (84%) discuss the results of the outcome measurement score with their patients. Of the participants who use more than one outcome measure, 44% report that this allows them to better establish their patient's functional and physical limitations. ConclusionThe findings in this study suggest that a large percentage of hand therapists are currently including a PRO measure in their hand therapy practice.

Characteristics of Geriatric Practice Settings that Attract and Retain Physical Therapists in the SNF/ICF Practice Setting

ABSTRACTThe US population is aging due to increases in life expectancy and the aging of the baby boomer generation. The elderly use more medical services than any other group in the population and account for 90% of nursing home use. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of geriatric practice settings that attract and retain physical therapists (PTs) in the skilled nursing facility/intermediate care facility (SNF/ICF) practice setting. The study was an electronic survey of active PT members of the Section on Geriatrics of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) with a current e-mail address. The electronic survey yielded 768 completed surveys, resulting in an overall response rate of 17% and a 4.74% response rate from PTs in the SNF/ICF practice setting. A majority of therapists (73.2%) were employed full-time and 58.2% had 16 or more years of professional experience. Therapists were attracted to a geriatric practice setting for the patient population. A majority of therapists continue to work in a geriatric practice setting because: they take pride in their work, the relationships they have with patients and families, salary, relationships with peers, autonomous work decisions, relationships they have within the facility, control over their schedule, benefits, and able to handle the increased demands of documentation. All survey responses were statistically significant p < 0.01. Significant relationships (p < 0.05) were found between professional experience and method of introduction to a geriatric practice setting; years working in geriatric setting and attraction to a geriatric practice setting and relationships with patients and families, and relationships within the facility; current employment status and relationships with peer, control over schedule, and benefits. Even though PTs practicing in an SNF/ICF setting have the highest median salary according to the APTA, salary is not the primary factor in the recruitment and retainment of PTs to an SNF/ICF setting.

Computer-Assisted Therapies: Examination of Therapist-Level Barriers to Their Use

Despite enthusiasm in the field for their potential ease of dissemination, little work has examined whether practicing clinicians are willing and able to use computer-assisted therapies (i.e., computerized treatments designed to be administered with therapist support). For therapists to use these tools, they require access to computer equipment, the skills needed to use the equipment, and willingness to adopt the technology in treatment. This study examined these three factors using survey data from a national sample of mental health clinicians (N=1,067). Respondents reported on their access to technology and computer fluency, in addition to completing the Computer-Assisted Therapy Attitudes Scale (CATAS), a measure of therapist attitudes designed for this study. Overall, the majority of therapists (90.7%) reported access to at least one computer at work and self-reported computer fluency levels were high. On average, therapists held positive attitudes towards computer-assisted therapies, although expressed concern that these technologies might damage rapport and did not feel that these technologies would improve treatment outcomes. Predictors of positive attitudes included greater general openness toward new treatments, greater comfort with computers, and easier access to technology at work (all ps<.01). Results suggested that, on the whole, therapists may be likely to integrate computer-assisted therapies into their clinical practice. However, therapists vary both in their ability and willingness to use these tools. Implications for the dissemination of computer-assisted therapies are discussed.

Development of Family Therapy and Systemic Therapy in Germany

The roots of systemic therapy in Germany date back to the sixties. Systemic therapy is one of the most widely applied forms of psychotherapy and counseling in Germany. The majority of therapists and counselors in child guidance centers, couples therapy counseling centers and youth protective services have been trained in systemic therapy. A high number of clinical psychologists, social workers and medical doctors have received training in this model of therapy. In the beginning, multigenerational, experiential, as well as structural-strategic and Milan systemic approaches were popular. Today, the post-modern systems concepts, solution-oriented and narrative approaches and self-organization theory appear to be predominant. Some centers provide research and training in behavioral and psychodynamic family and couples therapy. However, systemic approaches are clearly leading the field with over 10,000 people who have received systemic training and about 150 training institutes across the country. The critical attitude shared by many leading figures towards empirical research has limited its success in university programs. In addition, training is usually provided in the form of post-graduate courses rather than at academic institutions. Currently, three journals and one online-journal publish articles on various systemic topics. Many publishing houses have a series of books on systemic therapy and one publishing house specializes exclusively on systems oriented books. In 2008, systemic therapy gained recognition as an evidence-based treatment. Four years later, the appropriate authorities have not initiated the process of assessing it as a treatment paid for by public health insurances. In consequence, systemic therapy is not available on a large scale in the public outpatient psychotherapy system. Some additional remarks are provided on the history and current situation of systemic therapy in Austria and Switzerland.

Examination of the Role of Implicit Clinical Judgments During the Mental Health Intake

We examined the characteristics of therapists' implicit clinical judgments during the mental health intake. Following the intake sessions with new clients, we conducted 129 semistructured interviews with 47 therapists. We found that 82% of therapists and 75% of interviews included reference to implicit clinical judgments. Therapists referred to these judgments as a cognitive process that relied on knowledge acquired through past clinical experiences and was primarily based on nonverbal cues and affective communication. Therapists used implicit processes when evaluating how to facilitate a good working alliance, what diagnostic information to collect, and how to decide on a diagnosis. The majority of therapists described elements of good rapport, such as being listened to, as central for a positive outcome of the intake. We concluded that implicit clinical judgments were vital to allow therapists to integrate the plethora of information from different channels of communication they collect during the intake.

Exploring the Psychological Processes Underlying Touch: Lessons from the Alexander Technique

The experience of touch is significant; both in its positive implications and in how it attracts caution and controversy. Accordingly, physical contact within psychological therapy has been shown to improve well-being and the therapeutic relationship, yet the majority of therapists never or rarely use touch. This research aimed to explore psychological processes underlying touch through the Alexander Technique, a psycho-physical technique taught one to one using touch. Six individuals who had received the Alexander Technique were interviewed, and 111 completed surveys. Interview data suggested an incompatibility between touch and the spoken word, which was understood through the way touch lacks verbal discourses in our society. The largely simplistic and dichotomous verbal understanding we have (either only very positive or very negative) could help understand some of the societal-level caution surrounding touch. Touch was seen also as a nurturing experience by interviewees, which influenced inter-personal and intra-personal relational processes. Developmental models were used to frame the way touch strengthened the pupil-teacher relationship and the way pupils' intra-personal psychological change seemed linked to this relational experience. The surveys largely supported these findings, and discussion is made around the notable way pupils negatively interpreted the intention of the survey. Implications for the use of touch in psychological therapies are discussed, as are limitations and ideas for future research. Touch is a powerful experience, and physical contact within psychological therapy has been shown to improve well-being and the therapeutic relationship, yet the majority of therapists never or rarely use touch. The AT is an alternative therapeutic approach to psycho-physical well-being that offers an interesting model to study the impact of touch. Findings from those that have used the technique reaffirmed that touch can improve well-being and can be a powerful force in the 'therapeutic relationship'. Accounts drew strong parallels with developmental experiences, which may be of particular interest to those working psychodynamically. Findings also highlighted the lack of discourses our culture has for touch and how the ones we share can be super-imposed onto experiences. This should be kept in mind when discussing all types of physical contact with clients. Outcomes from AT pupils cannot be generalized to those seeking psychological support; however, the findings accentuated the power of holistic working. This is important as we begin to understand more around how emotions are held in the body.

Characteristics of Geriatric Practice Settings That Attract and Retain Physical Therapists

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of geriatric practice settings that attract and retain physical therapists (PTs). The study was an electronic survey of active PT members of the Section on Geriatrics of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) with a current email address. The electronic survey yielded 768 completed surveys, resulting in a response rate of 17%. Therapists were attracted to a geriatric practice setting for the patient population. A majority of therapists continue to work in a geriatric practice setting because of: pride in their work, relationships they have with their patients/caregivers, control over day-to-day work decisions, and salary. All survey responses were statistically significant p < 0.01. Even though PTs practicing in geriatric settings are the highest-paid therapists according to the APTA, salary is not what will recruit and retain therapists to geriatric practice settings.