Occupational therapists' skills and attitudes regarding use of computers and assistive technology
OTI, 4 (1):
52--65 (1997)Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the skills & attitudes of a sample of practicing OTs regarding the use of computers, & to explore their agreement with the Foundation Level Technology Competencies proposed for adoption in the USA... sample of 250 subjects - 89 OTs completed a questionnaire regarding their experiences with, & attitudes towards computers, & their agreement with the proposed Competencies. Results- indicated that while the majority of OTs had had some exposure to computers, they wanted to learn more, particularly how a computer could aid management tasks. While 50% or more of the OTs 'Agreed' or 'Strongly Agreed' with 19 of the 21 Competencies, the level of therapist 'Indecision' or 'Disagreement' with several of the Competencies suggests that either these Competencies require revision, or that if the Competencies are nationally adopted, many OTs may require intensive continuing education programmes to bring their skills to a competent standard. Adoption of these Competencies has many implications for international standards of OT practice & levels of computer education.