https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3035-9714
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Abstract
Aims
We investigated how instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) are addressed and perceived, in comparison to activities of daily living (ADLs), across preschool (3–5 years), middle childhood (6–11 years), early adolescence (12–15 years), and older adolescence (16–21 years) age groups by pediatric occupational therapy (OT) practitioners.
Method
247 OT practitioners with at least 2 years of pediatric work experience in the U.S. completed an electronic survey assessing (a) type of IADLs most frequently addressed and (b) type of IADLs perceived as most important across the age groups.
Results
With increasing age of children and adolescents with disabilities, frequency and perceived importance of addressing IADLs increased in comparison to ADLs; there was a statistically significant relationship between the frequency and the perceived importance of addressing IADLs for all 12 activities across the age groups.
Conclusion
The decision-making process in addressing IADLs in pediatric OT practice was significantly influenced by the practitioners’ perceived importance of IADLs.
Disclosure statement
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Julia Shin
Julia Shin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy within the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions at Creighton University.
Bonnie Decker
Bonnie Decker is a former Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.
Shirley Blanchard
Shirley Blanchard is a Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy within the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions at Creighton University.