Practice, Knowledge and Needs of Occupational Therapy Practitioners Providing Services to Parents with Physical Impairments: A Pilot Study

This survey study describes practice patterns, knowledge, skills, resources, and needs of occupational therapy practitioners providing services to parents with physical impairments. Participants (n = 51) primarily worked in outpatient rehabilitation (30%), inpatient rehabilitation (21%), and acute care (15%) settings. Participants reported evaluating and providing interventions for nine role-focused parenting activities. All participants agreed addressing the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) of parenting should be part of occupational therapy practice. Adaptive equipment and techniques were utilized to increase participation of parents with physical impairments in child rearing. Lack of resources for childcare equipment and need for more training were barriers. Ninety-eight percent of participants agreed advancing the role of occupational therapy for parents with physical impairments is needed.