Occupational Therapists in Disaster Management: A Survey Study

Authors

Rebecca I. Estes, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Gina M. Delgado, Midwest Orthopaedics at RushFollow
Nicole J. Bing, Carle McLean County OrthopedicsFollow
Megan E. Byrne, Let It Grow TherapyFollow
Jessica S. Eady, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Kayleigh E. Hollywood, Kennedy Krieger InstituteFollow
Alyssa B. Kopp, Peak Physical Therapy and WellnessFollow

Abstract

Purpose: There is a need for occupational therapy involvement in disaster management from preparation to response. To understand why OTs are not involved with disaster management, this study explored perceived disaster management roles for healthcare professionals; the level of familiarity and professional experience with stages of disaster; and the relationship between training and likelihood of engagement. Method: The Healthcare Practitioner Disaster Management Questionnaire, an anonymous quantitative survey, was deployed to licensed OTs and OT assistants (OTAs) practicing in 14 states in the US (a convenience sample). Descriptive analysis and Spearman Rho correlation were used to understand the data. Results: OTs and OTAs believe that clinicians have a role in disaster management and identified nurses, physician assistants, and occupational therapists as having useful skills. Respondents had little familiarity, little professional experience, and little to no training in disaster management stages. Spearman correlation revealed a small positive correlation between training and the likelihood of responding to a disaster. Conclusions: Occupational therapists perceive healthcare professionals to have roles in disaster management; however, there is a lack of training and involvement. A positive correlation between training and the likelihood of responding suggests that as therapists receive training, the likelihood of engagement increases. Hopefully, this information will increase awareness of the need for involvement in disaster management to address the health and welfare of people and communities. Educators and continuing education providers need to train occupational therapists (OTs) from entry-level to practicing therapists to address the needs of populations affected by disasters.

Author Bio(s)

Rebecca I. Estes, PhD, OTR/L, CAPS, ECHM has 15+ years administrative/faculty experience and 35+ years clinical experience. Research focus is disaster management, neurologically impaired adults, and aging-in-place. Service interests are medical reserve corps, hippotherapy, and Rebuilding Together. Publications include creativity/resilience, aging-in-place, assistive technology, hand therapy, and teaching methodologies. Restes@nova.edu

Gina Delgado, OTD, OTR/L is a licensed occupational therapist, currently working in outpatient hand therapy at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, Chicago, IL. She has been a research assistant for 2+ years at Nova Southeastern University. She also serves as a teaching assistant at Rush University. Gina has interests in evidence-based practice, health literacy, research, and higher education.

gina.delgado92@gmail.com

Nicole J. Bing, OTD, OTR/L, a graduate of Nova Southeastern OTD program is now a licensed occupational therapist at Carle McLean County Orthopedics.

Megan E. Byrne, OTD, OTR/L, a graduate of Nova Southeastern OTD program is now a licensed occupational therapist, at Let It Grow Therapy.

Jessica S. Eady, OTD, OTR, is a graduate of Nova Southeastern OTD program and is a licensed occupational therapist.

Kayleigh E. Hollywood, OTD, OTR/L ATC, a graduate of Nova Southeastern OTD program is a licensed occupational therapist, now at Kennedy Krieger Institute.

Alyssa B. Kopp OTD, OTR/L, a graduate of Nova Southeastern OTD program, is a licensed occupational therapist, now at Peak Physical Therapy and Wellness.

Recommended Citation

Estes RI, Delgado GM, Bing NJ, Byrne ME, Eady JS, Hollywood KE, et al. Occupational Therapists in Disaster Management: A Survey Study. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2024 Jun 26;22(3), Article 4.