Occupational therapists in the school setting: Working with students with complex health care needs

Objective. This study investigated one aspect of the role of school-based o ccupational therapists working with students with complex health care needs during the school day Method. One hundred seventy-two occupational therapists working in school s ystems were surveyed with regard to their involvement with children with co mplex health care needs, particularly specific complex health care procedur es performed, knowledge of policies, training in the administration of heal th-related procedures, and perceived levels of competency. Results. Sixty-eight (61%) of the therapists reported having children with complex health care needs on their caseload of these, 65% reported involvem ent in seizure monitoring and 24% reported performing gastrostomy feedings. Most respondents reported an awareness of policies regarding administratio n of medication, gastrostomy feeding, and seizure monitoring in their schoo l system. Respondents' main role with this population included activities i n positioning, environmental modification, and staff instruction. Conclusion. The major role of occupational therapists working in school sys tems involved providing direct intervention with the student and not conduc ting or instructing others in health-related procedures. Therapists also se rved as a resource on health-related issues for school personnel.