Content for educational programs in school-based occupational therapy from a practice perspective.
OBJECTIVE
After approximately two decades of occupational therapy in the schools, updated information is needed on performance of roles, functions, and tasks for educators to use in updating content in occupational therapy professional education.


METHODS
A survey was sent to occupational therapists practicing in Michigan schools to gather information upon which curricular content decisions could be based. One hundred thirty-six therapists (59% of the population sampled) responded to the survey.


RESULTS
The following intervention areas were performed most by respondents in the sample and, therefore, are needed in educational programs: sensorimotor, object manipulation, perception, biomechanics, dressing, feeding, use of adaptive and assistive devices, content related to positioning, seating, and wheelchair use, and play and leisure skills.


CONCLUSIONS
Neurophysiological approaches and assessment of students in schools were viewed by respondents as the most needed by current students in educational programs. Current needs of practitioners for continuing education focused on neurophysiological approaches; respondents reported that information about these approaches was also most needed when beginning to practice. More instruction in time management and techniques for dealing with large caseloads were noted to be important areas to address in the preparation of practitioners in schools.
Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202.
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Powell
D000328:Adult; D003479:Curriculum; D003625:Data Collection; D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D004496:Education, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007587:Job Description; D008297:Male; D008824:Michigan; D008875:Middle Aged; D009482:Neurophysiology; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods; D012572:School Health Services; D016526:Workload