Nurse Practitioners' Knowledge of Occupational Therapy

Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine what nurse practitioners (NPs) in western New York know about occupational therapy's (OT) roles and functions. Method. A self-designed survey of 27 questions was mailed to 150 randomly selected NPs in western New York who are members of New York State Coalition of Nurse Practitioners. A modified Dillman procedure was used for mailing the materials to the NPs. One hundred of the NPs responded. Results. The NPs have a broad general knowledge about OT although there are areas of uncertainty about the profession. Uncertainties about who formulates the patients' goals, who pays for OT, and aspects of OT, such as working with prosthetic devices, working with cardiovascular patients, working with young adults in prevocational and vocational skills, and making appropriate goals for elderly patients were identified. They also had limited awareness regarding the importance of OTs' contributions to patient care in certain work environments and regarding certain specialty areas. The results also suggested direct OT contact was their primary source of acquiring information about OT and also was the most beneficial method for their learning. Conclusion. This study may help to shape OTs' efforts in educating NPs since it identifies the areas of uncertain knowledge and the ways in which their information is best obtained. Some strategies for increasing NPs' understanding of OT include presenting information about OT at an NP conference, role playing or lecturing during the NPs' final clinical course, and direct discussions about cases regarding patient progress.