Survey Of Occupational Therapy Practitioners Research Articles

Technology trends in practice: A survey of occupational therapy practitioners.

Given the evolving digital revolution, technology and digital tools are becoming inseparable from work and daily occupations. Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) focus on supporting individuals in their desired and needed activities. Many of these daily activities (i.e., online banking, shopping, social media, smartphone use) require digital skills at a growing rate, and insufficient technological skills may subject individuals to limited engagement and social isolation. To understand OTPs attitudes regarding technology utilization. We surveyed 109 OTPs about their attitudes, work practices, and barriers to addressing their clients' digital technological functioning. The findings of our study suggest that while OTPs acknowledge the importance and potential benefit of technology for their clients, there is a notable professional gap in the training and skills of OTPs to support their clients' digital functioning effectively and to integrate technology into their practice. There is a need to improve and expand OTP's digital skills and knowledge regarding addressing clients' digital functioning and technology implementation in occupational therapy practice.

Caregivers' Role in In-Home Video Telehealth: National Survey of Occupational Therapy Practitioners.

Older adults face barriers to specialty care, such as occupational therapy (OT), and these challenges are worse for rural older adults. While in-home video telehealth may increase access to OT, older adults' health- and technology-related challenges may necessitate caregiver assistance. This study examines caregiver assistance with in-home OT video telehealth visits from the perspectives of OT practitioners at Veterans Health Administration (VHA). A web-based national survey of VHA OT practitioners about caregivers' role in video telehealth was conducted between January and February 2022. Survey items were developed with input from subject matter experts in geriatrics and OT and identified patient factors that necessitate caregiver participation; the extent to which caregivers assist with different types of tasks (technological and clinical tasks); and the perceived facilitators of, benefits of, and barriers to caregiver involvement. Of approximately 1787 eligible VHA OT practitioners, 286 (16% response rate) participated. Not all survey items required completion, resulting in different denominators. Most respondents were female (183/226, 81%), White (163/225, 72.4%), and occupational therapists (275/286, 96.2%). Respondents were from 87 VHA medical centers, the catchment areas of which served a patient population that was 34% rural, on average (SD 0.22). Most participants (162/232, 69.8%) had >10 years of OT experience serving a patient cohort mostly aged ≥65 years (189/232, 81.5%) in primarily outpatient rehabilitation (132/232, 56.9%). The top patient factors necessitating caregiver involvement were lack of technical skills, cognitive impairment, and advanced patient age, with health-related impairments (eg, hearing or vision loss) less frequent. Technological tasks that caregivers most frequently assisted with were holding, angling, moving, repositioning, or operating the camera (136/250, 54.4%) and enabling and operating the microphone and setting the volume (126/248, 50.8%). Clinical tasks that caregivers most frequently assisted with were providing patient history (143/239, 59.8%) and assisting with patient communication (124/240, 51.7%). The top facilitator of caregiver participation was clinician-delivered caregiver education about what to expect from video telehealth (152/275, 55.3%), whereas the top barrier was poor connectivity (80/235, 34%). Increased access to video telehealth (212/235, 90.2%) was the top-rated benefit of caregiver participation. Most respondents (164/232, 70.7%) indicated that caregivers were at least sometimes unavailable or unable to assist with video telehealth, in which case the appointment often shifted to phone. Caregivers routinely assist VHA patients with in-home OT video visits, which is invaluable to patients who are older and have complex medical needs. Barriers to caregiver involvement include caregivers' challenges with video telehealth or inability to assist, or lack of available caregivers. By elucidating the caregiver support role in video visits, this study provides clinicians with strategies to effectively partner with caregivers to enhance older patients' access to video visits.

Working With Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Clients: Occupational Therapy Practitioners' Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes.

A lack of health care provider knowledge and training has been identified as one factor that contributes to health disparities for sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations. To explore occupational therapy practitioners' self-reported knowledge about, clinical preparedness for, and attitudes toward working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) clients. Online survey of occupational therapy practitioners. Respondents were recruited by means of snowball sampling through social media groups, state occupational therapy association websites, and emails. Surveys were posted to electronic occupational therapy social media sites. Knowledge, clinical preparedness, and attitudes were measured using the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Development of Clinical Skills Scale (LGBT-DOCSS). Information about demographic characteristics, education, and workplace was also collected. Five hundred eighty-nine occupational therapy practitioners responded to the survey. Degree level (master's vs. bachelor's or less), continuing education (minimum 1-2 hr of LGBT-specific training), practice setting (mental health), minority sexual orientation, and having a close friend or family member who identifies as SGM were associated with higher mean scores on the LGBT-DOCSS. Higher religiosity and frequency of religious practice were associated with lower scores on knowledge and attitudinal awareness. Occupational therapy practitioners often care for clients from backgrounds and cultures that differ from their own. Identifying gaps in education and opportunities for fostering LGBT-positive attitudes can facilitate the development of programs to improve practice with LGBT clients and help measure the effectiveness of such programs. What This Article Adds: This study provides evidence that a basic level of continuing education can improve occupational therapy practitioners' knowledge of and skills for working with LGBT populations and highlights the need to examine and change structural biases.

SmartBathroom Data Visualization Tool to Inform OT Clinical Reasoning

Traditionally, Occupational Therapy assessment of an older adult’s toilet transfer performance has been based on qualitative observation and client self-report. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of supplementing traditional clinical reasoning with quantitative transfer performance data about body and foot position, balance, hand placement and grasping forces on grab bars. Specifically, we conducted an online survey of occupational therapy practitioners and educators to assess the usefulness and usability of 2D and 3D graphic visualizations representing foot and hand position and forces exerted on the floor, toilet seat and grab bars. These data were captured by sensors located throughout GA Tech’s SmartBathroom laboratory during a study of transfer performance. Findings are being used to identify the most useful sensor data and the most effective ways to convey that data to improve training of occupational therapy students.

Use of Electrical Stimulation for People With Spinal Cord Injury: A Survey of Occupational Therapy Practitioners.

When working with clients who have experienced spinal cord injury (SCI), occupational therapy practitioners can face challenges in achieving desired results during functional activity when using electrical stimulation (ES) interventions. In an effort to understand current practice, a survey study was conducted. For people with SCI, ES elicits positive physiological effects; however, no implementation guidelines exist for upper extremity application of ES for this population. Therefore, we surveyed occupational therapy practitioners about their use of ES with clients who have cervical-level SCI. A 33-item, 20-min online survey was used. We queried 57 occupational therapy practitioners with active caseloads in regional rehabilitation centers specializing in SCI, both outpatient and inpatient. For clients with SCI, occupational therapy practitioners used ES most often for grasp-and-release, reaching, and grip or pinch activities using a broad range of parameter settings. Among respondents, 43% did not use a specific treatment protocol; 27% used research evidence to guide selection of parameters. Findings suggest that ES treatment parameters are not uniformly applied, introducing potential unknown effects on client outcomes and undermining treatment fidelity. Our survey of occupational therapy practitioners regarding their practice and use of ES interventions with this population revealed variation in application of ES treatment parameters. Understanding different treatment approaches and justification used when applying ES to clients with SCI is an important first step in unifying and promoting best practice and maximizing patient outcomes.

Sensory-based intervention in the schools: a survey of occupational therapy practitioners

ABSTRACTAim: The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the role of sensory-based intervention in school-based occupational therapy. The research questions are: 1. How do school-based occupational therapists (OTs) describe the role of sensory-based intervention (SBI) in an educational setting? 2. Which current practice trends influence sensory-based occupational therapy practice?Methods: Descriptive statistics were generated to summarize current school-based practice trends. Qualitative analysis resulted in the identification of categories related to school-based practice. Participants (N = 94) reported the positive impact of sensory-based interventions in the schools, the challenge of the school context, the value of both teacher and team collaboration, the limitations and challenges to parent collaboration, and the sensory resources within the school context.Results: Results indicate that school-based practitioners should focus on educational and social participation of the students.Conclusion: Outcomes indicate the primary means of improving student participation is via team education and advocacy.

Home programs for upper extremity recovery post-stroke: a survey of occupational therapy practitioners

Background: Upper extremity hemiparesis is an impairment post-stroke that impacts quality of life. Home programs are an intervention strategy used by many occupational therapists to support continued motor recovery post-stroke, yet little is known about how these programs are designed and implemented.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to describe how occupational therapy practitioners approach this task and specifically what strategies they use to support adherence and what types of technology are most commonly used.Methods: An on-line survey methodology was used. Participants were recruited through multiple sources including state associations and occupational therapy educational program directors.Results: A total of 73 occupational therapy practitioners submitted complete surveys. It was found that majority of occupational therapy practitioners in the sample (n = 53) reported creating home programs focused on upper extremity motor recovery more than 80% of the time. Range of motion and strengthening were reported as being in the top three most commonly used interventions by more than half the sample, however incorporating clients’ goals and interests were reported most often as strategies to create meaning in the home program. Respondents also reported limited incorporation of technology and strategies to support adherence. Personal motivation was reported by occupational therapy practitioners to be a key moderator of adherence to a home program.Conclusions: Occupational therapy practitioners often provide home programs for individuals post-stroke focusing on upper extremity function. Future research that aims to understand stakeholders’ perspectives on home programs and determine effective strategies for ensuring adherence is needed.

Understanding Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ Use of Upper Extremity–Focused Home Programs for Persons Post Stroke

Abstract Date Presented 3/31/2017 A national survey of occupational therapy practitioners was completed to describe current practice on how home programs for upper-extremity motor recovery are designed, implemented, and monitored, specifically for persons who experienced stroke. Primary Author and Speaker: Renae Fichter Additional Authors and Speakers: Elena V. Donoso Brown

Social Participation in Schools: A Survey of Occupational Therapy Practitioners.

We sought to identify strategies and practices that school-based occupational therapy practitioners use in addressing social participation, their perceptions of competence, and factors influencing their strategies and practices. Surveys were sent to 500 randomly selected members of the American Occupational Therapy Association's Early Intervention and School Special Interest Section; 112 usable surveys were received from 36 states. Respondents reported focusing on internal client factors when addressing social participation. Fewer than half (46.5%) indicated that they understood their role (mean [M] = 4.23, standard deviation [SD] = 1.22), and 57.1% desired greater understanding or ability (M = 4.64, SD = 1.29). Differences were found based on years of experience, service delivery model used, and services provided by diagnosis category. School-based occupational therapy practitioners may need to expand their current practices in addressing student social participation. Findings may be used to develop interventions to address this area of practice.

National Survey of Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ Involvement in Response to Intervention

OBJECTIVE. We sought to describe occupational therapy practitioners' perceived levels of preparedness for and involvement in school-based Response to Intervention (RtI) initiatives. METHOD. We mailed a survey to a random sample of 1,000 practitioners from the American Occupational Therapy Association's Early Intervention and School Systems Special Interest Section. RESULTS. Of 295 returned surveys (29.9% response rate), 19 were excluded because of missing or incomplete data. Three-quarters of respondents (77.6%) reported that their districts implemented RtI. Two-thirds of respondents (66.3%) indicated that lack of resources limited their involvement in RtI; two-thirds (67%) said that district guidelines that describe expectations for practitioners' involvement would help increase their participation. Many respondents cited the need for continuing education and supported moving from a caseload to a workload model. CONCLUSION. Occupational therapy practitioners would benefit from specific district guidelines outlining the services they are able to provide within the context of RtI.

“Putting the Occupation Back in Occupational Therapy:” A Survey of Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ Use of Gardening as an Intervention

“Putting the Occupation Back in Occupational Therapy:” A Survey of Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ Use of Gardening as an Intervention

Results from a Survey of Occupational Therapy Practitioners in Low Vision Rehabilitation

The purpose of this study was to provide practitioners working in low vision rehabilitation with a means for comparing service provision, including assessment, intervention, and program evaluation strategies, across a range of treatment facilities in the United States. Occupational therapy practitioners providing low vision services (N = 34) completed an online survey to address: (1) practitioner backgrounds in occupational therapy and low vision, (2) design, type, and location of practice, (3) client diagnoses and demographics, (4) referrals to and from occupational therapy, (5) types of assessments used, (6) types of interventions provided, and (7) follow-up and program evaluation procedures. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all items. Results suggest that practitioners seek adequate continuing education; use a combination of self-designed and standardized assessment procedures, and both remedial and compensatory intervention strategies; frequently refer to other low vision professionals; and provide services primarily to older adults through a medical rehabilitation model.

Results from a Survey of Occupational Therapy Practitioners in Low Vision Rehabilitation

The purpose of this study was to provide practitioners working in low vision rehabilitation with a means for comparing service provision, including assessment, intervention, and program evaluation strategies, across a range of treatment facilities in the United States. Occupational therapy practitioners providing low vision services (N = 34) completed an online survey to address: (1) practitioner backgrounds in occupational therapy and low vision, (2) design, type, and location of practice, (3) client diagnoses and demographics, (4) referrals to and from occupational therapy, (5) types of assessments used, (6) types of interventions provided, and (7) follow-up and program evaluation procedures. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all items. Results suggest that practitioners seek adequate continuing education; use a combination of self-designed and standardized assessment procedures, and both remedial and compensatory intervention strategies; frequently refer to other low vision professionals; and provide services primarily to older adults through a medical rehabilitation model.

Survey of Occupational Therapy Practitioners in Southwestern Schools

Survey of Occupational Therapy Practitioners in Southwestern Schools

Survey of Occupational Therapy Practitioners in Southwestern Schools

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify current practice in assessment useof school-based occupational therapy practitioners and to identify their expectations of student performance in assessment upon completion of the pediatric Fieldwork II experience. A survey of school-based occupational therapists in the southwestern states was conducted to answer three research questions: (1) what standardized assessments are currently used frequently and occasionally by occupational therapy practitioners in the school setting, (2) what level of competency in assessment administration by Fieldwork II students is expected by supervising occupational therapists, and (3) what educational preparation did the practitioners receive prior to their employment in schools and what professional support is currently available to them? Method: A five page questionnaire was mailed to 406 practicing thera-pists in four southwestern states with a response rate of 74.1 percent using Dillman's Total Design Method. Results: Respondents reported use of motor and visual perception tests most frequently in their practice. When trends of this survey were compared to previous surveys, practitioners reported similar use of motor and visual perception tests, a decreased use of sensory integration measures, and an increasein the use of function-based assessments.

A Survey of Occupational Therapy Practitioners in Mental Health

As part of the College of Occupational Therapists' Mental Health Project, a survey of occupational therapists practising in mental health in the United Kingdom was conducted. A questionnaire was sent to 200 members of the Association of Occupational Therapists in Mental Health and achieved a 68.5% response rate. The majority of the 137 respondents were female, with Senior I staff between 20 and 30 years of age, who were unlikely to have worked in another area, forming the largest group. Although most had received additional training, they identified the need for more training, especially in aspects of occupational therapy. Most were managed by an occupational therapist and 96% received supervision. Community mental health was the most frequently reported area of work, with leisure, counselling, anxiety management and creative activities the most frequently used interventions. The respondents were committed to the core principles of occupational therapy and the need to develop outcome measures and evidence-based practice, and were concerned about moves to generic working. This study has provided data not only for the position paper on the way ahead for occupational therapy in mental health but also for individual occupational therapists and managers.

Multiskilling: a survey of occupational therapy practitioners' attitudes.

Multiskilling has been identified as one means of reducing she cost of health care. This study examined occupational therapy practitioners' knowledge of multiskilling, how it is affecting service delivery and quality of care, and how therapists believe the addition of skills should occur. A questionnaire was constructed for the survey and mailed to a random sample of 200 occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants, all of whom were members of the American Occupational Therapy Association. The 117 respondents had a moderate understanding of multiskilling. They responded that multiskilling is beneficial to both the occupational therapy profession and the clients it serves, but they were also aware of its potential risks or disadvantages. According to respondents, multiskilling occurs formally through defined protocol and; more commonly, informally, driven by necessity and the desire to treat the client most effectively. The results indicate a need for the occupational therapy profession to define multiskilling and cross training; develop ways of serving clients that respond to administrative needs and constraints while preserving the uniqueness of occupational therapy; and monitor treatment outcomes of all service delivery methods to provide information regarding efficiency, effectiveness, and client satisfaction.