title: The benefits of and challenges to the use of occupation in hand therapy.
abstract: ABSTRACT This mixed methods survey examines the perceptions of occupational therapists working in hand therapy in the United States regarding the benefits of and barriers to occupation-based hand therapy. Electronic questionnaires containing open- and closed-ended questions were answered by 105 occupational therapists working in hand therapy and analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitatively according to themes. Participants reported that occupation-based interventions benefit clients by facilitating functional activity, meaningful therapeutic experiences, and holistic approach to treatment. Reported barriers to occupation-based interventions include logistic issues, reimbursement issues, the limitations imposed by the client's medical condition or the treatment protocol, and credibility of occupation-based interventions. Overcoming the challenges to occupation-based practice in hand therapy requires research in the efficiacy of occupation-based hand therapy and education of the public as well as health professionals and occupational therapists working in hand therapy.
authors.affiliation: Donna Colaianni is Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy, Department of Human Performance and Applied Exercise Science, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia.
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Colaianni
authors.forename: Ingrid
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Provident