Title
Educational techniques used in occupational therapy treatment of cumulative trauma disorders of the elbow, wrist and hand
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-1997
Publication Title
American Journal of Occupational Therapy
Department
Occupational Therapy
Abstract
Objective. This study examined patient education techniques used by occupational therapists when treating cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) of the elbow, wrist, and hand.
Method. A self-administered survey was sent to 232 registered occupational therapists whose primary area of practice was hand therapy. The questionnaire sought information about specific content areas and methods (i.e., media, format) used to educate patients about preventing the recurrence of CTDs in the elbow, wrist, and hand.
Results. One hundred twenty-eight therapists responded to the survey. A majority of respondent (n = 116) reported that patient education content areas consisted of anatomy of the joint, the CTD disease process, and job modification. Verbal instruction, illustrations, and pamphlets and handouts were the most frequently used forms of educational media. A majority of respondents (n = 111) also reported that individual interaction was the most common format of patient education.
Conclusion. The findings indicate that a majority of therapists use the same patient education techniques with regard to content areas, media, and format, regardless of the area being treated (i.e., elbow, wrist, hand). Furthermore, it appears that therapists with specialty training in CTDs more frequently include anatomy of the elbow, job modification, and proper body mechanics in the content of their patient education about the elbow.
Volume
51
Issue
2
pp.
113-118
ISSN
0272-9490
WorldCat Link
Provider Link
Citation
Lawler, A. L., James, A. B., & Tomlin, G. S. (1997). Educational techniques used in occupational therapy treatment of cumulative trauma disorders of the elbow, wrist and hand. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 51, 113-118.