title: Restraint of children with additional needs in motor vehicles: knowledge and challenges of paediatric occupational therapists in Victoria, Australia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This research project aimed to understand the challenges faced by occupational therapists when making recommendations regarding the restraint of children with additional needs in motor vehicles in Victoria, Australia.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey design was used to explore current practice in relation to the prescription of motor vehicle restraints in Victoria, Australia. An electronic survey was sent to occupational therapists working with children aged from birth to 18 years in early intervention services, hospitals, schools, community services or private practice.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Challenges faced by occupational therapists related to a lack of knowledge of relevant standards and legal requirements, issues seating children with behavioural difficulties, families' inability to purchase recommended equipment and constraints as a result of funding issues.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Further work is required to develop appropriate resources which support occupational therapists to make car seating recommendations for children with additional needs which comply with Australian legal requirements and standards.
authors.affiliation: Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, AustraliaVictorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Baker
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Galvin
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vale
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lindner
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D057207:Child Restraint Systems / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D019359:Knowledge; D008297:Male; D018986:Motor Vehicles / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D010372:Pediatrics; D016730:Program Development; D014739:Victoria