Preparedness and Engagement of Rehabilitation Professionals in Disaster Management: A Cross-Sectional Survey of OTs, PTs, and SLPs in Florida

Authors

Rebecca I. Estes, Nova Southeastern University retiredFollow
Shari Rone-Adams, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

Abstract

Purpose: Allied health professionals, specifically, physical therapists (PTs), occupational therapists (OTs), and speech-language pathologists (SLPs), are under-recognized and underutilized in disaster management. The purpose of this study was to investigate awareness, prevalence of engagement, interest level, roles, perceptions, and training of rehabilitation professionals in the disaster management cycle. Method: The Healthcare Practitioner Disaster Management Questionnaire, an anonymous quantitative survey, was deployed to OTs, PTs, and SLPs, licensed in Florida, a convenience sample. Descriptive analysis and Spearman Rho correlation were used to understand the data. Results: Respondents believe that licensed clinicians have a role in disaster management. Respondents had little familiarity, little professional experience, and little to no training in disaster management stages. Spearman correlation revealed positive correlations between training and the likelihood of responding to a disaster for OTs and PTs but not SLPs. Conclusions: Rehabilitation practitioners 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 allied health professionals 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.

Shari Rone-Adams, PT, MHSA, DBA , serves as Professor and Chair of the Physical Therapy Department at Nova Southeastern University. She has experience in education both nationally and internationally over the past 25 years. Her research interests include simulation, IPE, curriculum development and mapping, student outcomes and professionalism.

Acknowledgements

Appreciation is expressed for the work of the following: Steven P. Vertz, M.S., CCC-SLP, Gina Delgado, OTR, Research Assistant & team members: Steven Dinnen, OTR, Alexis Francois, OTR, Deborah Kofsky, OTR, Ashtin Callahan, OTR, Annalisa Rodriguez, OTR, Samantha Royer, OTR, Danielle Zirkle, OTR, Heather Berto, OTR, Hope Brew, OTR, Sophia Cadet, OTR, Kolbí L. Holmes, OTR, Leah Horst, OTR, Annie J. Mehl, OTR, Nicole J. Bing, OTR, Megan E. Byrne, OTR, Jessica S. Eady, OTR, Kayleigh E. Hollywood, OTR, & Alyssa B. Kopp, OTR

Recommended Citation

Estes RI, Rone-Adams S. Preparedness and Engagement of Rehabilitation Professionals in Disaster Management: A Cross-Sectional Survey of OTs, PTs, and SLPs in Florida. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2025 Oct 15;23(4), Article 22.