title: Paediatric occupational therapists' use of sound-based interventions: a survey study.
abstract: Sound-based interventions (SBIs) involve listening to psychoacoustically modified music as a means for promoting new neural pathways in individuals with neurological dysfunction. Multiple forms of SBIs exist and are being used by healthcare professionals despite the lack of evidence to support their efficacy. The purpose of this study was to describe how occupational therapists (OTs) are using SBIs as an intervention in paediatric practice. An online survey was conducted using SurveyMonkey® and was completed by OTs describing their use of SBIs with paediatric clients. Paediatric OTs are using SBIs in a variety of practice settings, with children with a variety of medical and developmental conditions, and primarily use a subjective assessment process for determining effectiveness. Most referrals for SBIs come from other OTs and parents, and reimbursement primarily is achieved through private-pay mechanisms. This study had a small sample size (n = 74) and an estimated response rate of 14.7%, so generalization to occupational therapy practice in the United States is not possible. Further research is needed to identify the internal and external influences on the selection of SBIs as an OT intervention in paediatric practice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID, USA. geebrya@isu.edu
authors.forename: Bryan M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Gee
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Devine
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Werth
authors.forename: Vu
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Phan
mesh_terms: D000161:Acoustic Stimulation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009147:Music Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
keywords: occupational therapists; practice patterns; sound-based interventions