Date Presented 03/22/24
Findings from this study describe a notable shift over the past quarter-century with respect to the preparation and use of physical agent modalities (PAMS) by U.S. OT practitioners.
Primary Author and Speaker: Tammy J. LeSage
Additional Authors and Speakers: Kenneth Gentry
Contributing Authors: Devin Hebble, Lilly Adams, Ashlyn Watts
PURPOSE: Physical agent modalities (PAMs) are used by occupational therapy practitioners to prepare for or facilitate participation in purposeful occupation based activities. However, little has been published in the last quarter century regarding how US occupational therapy (OT) practitioners use and are prepared for use of PAMs in contemporary clinical practice. In this study, US-based OT practitioners were surveyed regarding their use of PAMs, preparation for use, and perceptions of that preparation.
DESIGN: A Mixed-Methods, Exploratory-Descriptive Study.
METHOD: Survey data was collected from a purposive sample of 141 US-based OT practitioners as part of this exploratory-descriptive, mixed methods study. Thematic and descriptive statistical analyses were completed using quantitative and qualitative data collected.
RESULTS: Quantitative data provided a current profile of types, frequency, and settings in which PAMs are used, along with sources and perceptions of training. Qualitative data yielded three themes, including 1) benefit of experiential learning, 2) benefit of continuing education, and 3) relative adequacy of entry-level training.
CONCLUSION: Findings from this study serve as an initial step in understanding contemporary use of PAMs in clinical occupational therapy practice to facilitate purposeful occupation based activities. Further study is needed to expand the knowledge base within the profession and support an evidence-informed approach to care.
References
American Occupational Therapy Association (1992a). Position paper: Physical agent modalities. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 46(12), 1090–1091.https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.46.12.1090
Bondoc, S., & Feretti, A. M. (2018). Physical agents and mechanical modalities. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 72, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2018.72S220
Bracciano, A. G. (2022). Physical agent modalities: Theory and application for the occupational therapist (3rd ed.). SLACK, Incorporated.
Cornish-Painter, C., Peterson, C. Q., & Lindstrom-Hazel, D. K. (1997). Skill acquisition and competency testing for physical agent modality use. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 51(8), 681–685. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.51.8.681
