Evaluation of occupational therapy school-based consultation service for students with fine motor difficulties.
OBJECTIVE
This paper describes a 2-year study that addressed the perceived occupational performance changes among students with fine motor difficulties receiving occupational therapy school-based consultation (OTSBC) services.


METHODS
The sample included 52 stakeholders of students with fine motor difficulties who received occupational therapy services. Six exploratory focus groups and one participatory and action-based focus group were conducted with parents, teachers, occupational therapists, and Community Care Access Centre case managers.


RESULTS
Results supported the benefits of OTSBC. Key concerns identified were the wait for service, confusion about service expectations, inadequate communication among stakeholders, school board issues, and constraints in the health care system. Recommendations identified were to train teachers, provide early intervention, address service delivery issues related to health and education systems, and promote awareness of occupational therapy service and its effectiveness.


CONCLUSIONS
Occupational therapists working with students with fine motor difficulties could consider providing formal education programs for teachers, promoting early intervention of fine motor problems, and communicating to stakeholders regarding the expectations and effectiveness of OTSBC.
Wehrmann
Susan
S
COTA Health, Toronto, ON. wehrmann_s@cotahealth.ca
Chiu
Teresa
T
Reid
Denise
D
Sinclair
Gerry
G
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019957:Motor Skills Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012572:School Health Services