Prescriptions for physical and occupational therapy in school.
Prescriptions for occupational and physical therapy in a metropolitan school district are described. Seven physical therapists and 7 occupational therapists completed close-ended questionnaires on 226 prescriptions. An equivalent of 4.5 fulltime therapists did not participate and accounted for 54 other prescriptions. Each prescription was independently reviewed for its form, content, and relative value to therapy. Of all the prescriptions 119 (52%) involved students with cerebral palsy; 35 (15%), diseases or syndromes of the central nervous system; 12 (5%), myelomeningocele; 8 (4%), head trauma; 7 (3%), neuromuscular disorders; and 30 (13%), developmental delay. Of the 226, 210 (93%) involved students enrolled in special educational programs; 108 (48%) of all prescriptions were written on standardized school forms, half of which contained checklists. In 13 (6%), the content was illegible. References made to technique, anatomic site, neurologic, and general terms varied greatly. Fifty-seven (30%) made open or blanket comments for therapy. The dose or intensity of therapy was stipulated in only 5% of cases. Only 15 prescriptions requested feedback. Prescriptions by physiatrists were rated slightly higher than those written by pediatricians and other specialists. It is suggested that the prescription is necessary but not sufficient to assure communication between the physician and the school staff.
D002648:Child; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D006801:Humans; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D055656:Prescriptions; D012572:School Health Services; D012574:Schools