Occupational Therapy for Children with Acquired Brain Injury: A Survey of Current Practice

Abstract

This survey aimed to describe current occupational therapy practice for children with acquired brain injury in the Trent Region. Forty-three paediatric occupational therapists were sent questionnaires. Information was requested on referral patterns, amount of patient contact time, use of specific care pathways, assessments and the nature of interventions used, as well as contact with educational services.

Eighteen therapists replied and their responses illustrated the difficulties involved in providing a service for this population. The therapists reported low referral rates, service pressures, difficulty in obtaining specialist paediatric equipment and inadequate training. It is suggested that services should provide and network with appropriate training for therapists, and continue the development of care pathways and outcome measures.