Current Practice Patterns and Perceived Needs of Occupational Therapy Practitioners in Middle Schools

ABSTRACT

This study explored the practice patterns and perceived needs of American middle-school-based occupational therapy practitioners. An online survey was sent to occupational therapy professional associations nationally and posted on professional social media pages. Sixty-four occupational therapy practitioners from all regions of the country completed the survey. Findings indicate practitioners recognize the need to place more emphasis on personal context in the evaluation and intervention process with middle-school students. Participants identified that middle-school settings offered distinct challenges to implementing best practices. Improvements were suggested to current practice patterns and participants identified a variety of resources to improve practice.

KEYWORDS:

• Middle school
• school-based occupational therapy
• practice patterns
• school-based resources
• occupation-based practice