MEDICAL RESIDENTS EDUCATION ABOUT OCCUPATIONAL-THERAPY - IMPLICATIONSFOR REFERRAL

Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess sources of physicia n education concerning occupational therapy and to determine whether t hese sources influence occupational therapy referral rates. Method. On e hundred fifteen medical residents from Thomas Jefferson University H ospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were surveyed. Results. Residents learn about occupational therapy through informal, direct, and intera ctive types of contacts (touring occupational therapy departments, hav ing personal contact with an occupational therapist, having a family m ember receive occupational therapy). Perceived knowledge about occupat ional therapy was not significantly associated with referral rate, but it did influence a resident's desire for further education about occu pational therapy. Conclusion. Strategies for increasing medical reside nts' understanding of occupational therapy and for increasing their re ferrals to occupational therapy include opportunities for small group role playing, structural system changes within clinical sites, and dir ect marketing to consumers.