Prevalence,Knowledge,and Attitudes Toward Complementary and Integrative Health in Occupational Therapy

Abstract

The use of complementary health approaches and integrative health (CHAIH) is increasing in the United States, yet its role within occupational therapy (OT) remains underexplored. This study examined the prevalence of CHAIH use among OT practitioners, identified commonly used therapies, and explored practitioners’ perceptions. A cross-sectional online survey was distributed via email by NBCOT to over 132,900 registered OT practitioners; 4,420 responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and difference between proportions. Most respondents reported using CHAIH, with deep breathing, sensory techniques, and yoga being most common. Practitioners who incorporated CHAIH reported significantly (p < .001) greater self-rated knowledge and more positive attitudes compared with those who did not. However, fewer than 18% rated themselves as “very” or “extremely” knowledgeable. Findings highlight a gap between practice and knowledge, suggesting a need for future research to guide evidence-based integration of CHAIH in OT practice.

Plain Language Summary

How Occupational Therapists Are Using Complementary and Integrative Health Approaches in Their Work

Registered occupational therapy (OTR) practitioners in the United States are increasingly using complementary and integrative health approaches—like yoga, breathing exercises, and sensory techniques—in daily practice. These methods are known as complementary health approaches and integrative health (CHAIH). While use is growing, we don’t fully understand how often therapists use these techniques, which ones are most common, or how knowledgeable they feel about them. To explore this, our team created a national survey. It was sent by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) to over 132,000 licensed registered OT practitioners. Over 4,400 responded. We asked about their use of CHAIH in practice, familiarity with different therapies, and attitudes toward using them with clients. We found that the majority of registered OT practitioners (66%) are using CHAIH in their work. The most frequently used approaches were deep breathing, sensory-based strategies, and yoga. Therapists who reported using these therapies also had more knowledge and positive attitudes about them. However, we found a concerning discrepancy. While most OT practitioners reported using CHAIH, fewer than 1 in 5 (>18%) rated themselves as “very” or “extremely” knowledgeable about them. This suggests that many are using these therapies without feeling fully prepared or confident in their skills. These results highlight a clear gap: many therapists are using CHAIH, but not all feel fully informed or trained to do so. To keep clients safe and improve outcomes, more research and education are needed. This study suggests that the OT profession should prioritize training, research, and guidelines that help practitioners confidently and safely integrate CHAIH into their care. As health care continues to evolve, occupational therapists must stay informed about these approaches to meet the needs of their clients and collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary settings.