title: Screening for sensory impairment in older adults: Training and practice of occupational therapists in Quebec.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The goal of occupational therapy education is to train generalists who can refine their knowledge after graduation according to the requirements of the professional environment. However, it is currently unclear to what extent sensory screening should be included in the educational curricula.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to examine the sensory screening education for and practice by occupational therapists working with older adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from members of the Quebec Order of Occupational Therapists. Descriptive statistics were used in the analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data from 102 respondents indicated that training on sensory impairment-related topics was minimal and in stark contrast to the proportion who reported serving clients with a visual (92%), hearing (84%), or combined impairment (53%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Occupational therapy considers numerous aspects of physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. The question remains as to what extent vision and hearing health should take their place among these priorities.
authors.forename: Walter
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wittich
authors.forename: Elizabeth A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Barstow
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jarry
authors.forename: Aliki
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Thomas
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003479:Curriculum; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000193:education*; D011792:Quebec; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Deaf-blindness; Geriatric assessment; Hearing loss; Professional education; Vision loss