title: The role of rehabilitation specialists in Canadian NICUs: a national survey.
abstract: Rehabilitation specialists are an integral part of the team in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). A national survey was conducted to elucidate the current roles of rehabilitation specialists. Occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), and speech and language pathology (SLP) departments in all Canadian health care institutions with tertiary level NICUs (n = 38) were surveyed by telephone. Results indicate that 16% have no rehabilitation coverage, while 11% receive very limited external services (< 1/month). Over half of the OT and PT departments provide weekly services whereas only 5/38 provide SLP coverage. Service delivery includes assessment and a number of therapeutic interventions. Splinting and feeding are predominantly performed by OT, whereas chest physiotherapy and ROM are carried out primarily by PT. Rehabilitation specialists are actively involved in education and case management. The extent of involvement of rehabilitation specialists was discrepant, and highly associated with the type of facility. Rehabilitation services, when provided, are comprehensive and include evaluation, treatment, teaching, decision-making, and family support.
authors.affiliation: School of Physical & Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, Quebec.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Limperopoulos
authors.forename: Annette
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Majnemer
mesh_terms: D016390:Allied Health Occupations / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000720:Ancillary Services, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002170:Canada; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D026761:Physical Therapy Specialty; D024382:Professional Role; D012046:Rehabilitation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013066:Speech-Language Pathology; D000078329:Workforce