Kayla Vermeltfoort1, Anna Staruszkiewicz2, Katherine Anselm3, Alma Badnjevic4, Kristin Burton5, Sharon Switzer-McIntyre6, Euson Yeung6, Robert Balogh7. 1. Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto ; AIM Health Group, London & Strathroy. 2. Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto ; CBI Health Centre, Etobicoke. 3. Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto ; The Sports Clinic at Winston Park, Oakville ; Port Credit Physiotherapy, Port Credit ; Crossfit Mississauga, Mississauga. 4. Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto ; West Park Healthcare Centre. 5. Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto ; Crossfit Mississauga, Mississauga. 6. Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. 7. Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto ; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, Ont.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To examine attitudes of students in Ontario master's degree programmes in occupational therapy (MScOT) and physical therapy (MScPT) toward adults with intellectual disability (ID). METHODS: A quantitative cross-sectional survey study was conducted. An electronic questionnaire was distributed to 1,255 MScOT/PT students at five Ontario universities via email, using a modified Dillman approach. Descriptive statistics were used to describe experiences, attitudes, willingness, and preparedness. RESULTS: Overall response rate was 17.9%. A total of 96.0% of respondents felt "quite" or "very willing" to deliver rehabilitation to adults with ID; however, 50.7% of respondents felt "not at all prepared" or "a little prepared" to interact with this population in a clinical setting. Of those who felt unprepared, 75.4% reported it to be due to inadequate knowledge. In addition, Ontario MScOT/PT students have neutral attitudes toward adults with ID. CONCLUSIONS: While many MScOT/PT students are willing to deliver rehabilitation to adults with ID, a large proportion do not feel adequately prepared to interact with this population in a clinical setting. These findings could inform future research and curricular reform in the rehabilitation professions so that future clinicians are better prepared to provide support for this population.
PURPOSE: To examine attitudes of students in Ontario master's degree programmes in occupational therapy (MScOT) and physical therapy (MScPT) toward adults with intellectual disability (ID). METHODS: A quantitative cross-sectional survey study was conducted. An electronic questionnaire was distributed to 1,255 MScOT/PT students at five Ontario universities via email, using a modified Dillman approach. Descriptive statistics were used to describe experiences, attitudes, willingness, and preparedness. RESULTS: Overall response rate was 17.9%. A total of 96.0% of respondents felt "quite" or "very willing" to deliver rehabilitation to adults with ID; however, 50.7% of respondents felt "not at all prepared" or "a little prepared" to interact with this population in a clinical setting. Of those who felt unprepared, 75.4% reported it to be due to inadequate knowledge. In addition, Ontario MScOT/PT students have neutral attitudes toward adults with ID. CONCLUSIONS: While many MScOT/PT students are willing to deliver rehabilitation to adults with ID, a large proportion do not feel adequately prepared to interact with this population in a clinical setting. These findings could inform future research and curricular reform in the rehabilitation professions so that future clinicians are better prepared to provide support for this population.
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