A profile of canadian pediatric occupational therapy practice.
OBJECTIVE
This study established a current profile of Canadian pediatric occupational therapy practice in terms of theories/practice models, assessments, and interventions.


METHODS
Respondents were 272 members of the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists who indicated that pediatrics was their primary area of clinical practice. A purpose-designed survey was mailed to participants.


RESULTS
The response rate was adequate at 27.2% (n = 272/1,000). The primary client groups seen by pediatric therapists were developmental delay, learning disability, neurology, and those requiring rehabilitation. Sensory Integration and Client-Centred Practice were the most frequently utilized theories/practice models. The most commonly used assessments were the Developmental Test of Visual Motor Integration, Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, and the Sensory Profile. The most frequently used intervention techniques with pediatric clients were the instruction of parents/caregivers and children; assistive devices, adaptive equipment, and technology; activities of daily living/self-care skills; and environmental modification/access/structuring/adaptation.


CONCLUSIONS
Pediatric occupational therapists mainly used theories/ practice models that focused on three areas: Client-Centred practice, practice-oriented theories, and several theories/practice models based on occupation. Interventions focused on teaching, activities unique to occupational therapy, and on the functional needs of the client.
Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, School of Primary Health Care, Monash University-Peninsula Campus, Frankston, Victoria, Australia, 3199 ted.brown@med.monash.edu.au.
G Ted
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Brown
Sylvia
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Rodger
Anita
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Brown
Carsten
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Roever