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The Occupational Therapy Practitioner Experience and Practice Related to Upper Limb Loss or Difference and Prosthetics

The Occupational Therapy Practitioner Experience and Practice Related to Upper Limb Loss or Difference and Prosthetics

Authors :
Amanda H. Sugar
Rebecca Ozelie
Kristi Turner
Source :
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education. 2024 8(2).
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Despite occupational therapy's critical role on the rehabilitation team for individuals with upper limb loss or difference (ULL/D) and prosthetics, this population is not extensively covered in many occupational therapy (OT) program curricula. As such, many clinicians work with patients with ULL/D with little expertise or confidence for this complex population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the OT practitioner experience and practice related to ULL/D and prosthetics in their education and practice. Utilizing snowball sampling, 150 OT practitioners completed a 24-question survey, which assessed OT practitioners' experience with ULL/D, the prosthetic education in their OT program, and their confidence in working with this population. Participants reported they had limited education on this population and would have liked to have more education in school, specifically in the form of active learning opportunities such as hands-on experience with prosthetic devices, observations with clinicians, and discussions with individuals with ULL/D. Recommendations for OT programs include additional active learning opportunities including patient educators and prosthetic simulators, observation opportunities for students interested in working with this population, and continuing education opportunities for OT practitioners after graduation.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2573-1378
Volume :
8
Issue :
2
Database :
ERIC
Journal :
Journal of Occupational Therapy Education
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
EJ1437939
Document Type :
Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research