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Research Article  |   January 2008
Intervention Planning Facets—Four Facets of Occupational Therapy Intervention Planning: Economics, Ethics, Professional Judgment, and Evidence-Based Practice
Alexander Lopez; Elizabeth A. Vanner; Alexis M. Cowan; Anisha P. Samuel; Dana L. Shepherd
Author Affiliations
  • Alexander Lopez, JD, OTR/L, is Clinical Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy Program, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York; Alexander.lopez@stonybrook.edu
  • Elizabeth A. Vanner, MS, is Clinical Assistant Professor, Division of Rehabilitation Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
  • Alexis M. Cowan, MS, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Department of Occupational Therapy, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury
  • Anisha P. Samuel, MS, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapy Practitioner, Department of Occupational Therapy, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury
  • Dana L. Shepherd, MS, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, Department of Occupational Therapy, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury
Article Information
Ethics / Evidence-Based Practice / Professional Issues
Research Article   |   January 2008
Intervention Planning Facets—Four Facets of Occupational Therapy Intervention Planning: Economics, Ethics, Professional Judgment, and Evidence-Based Practice
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, January/February 2008, Vol. 62, 87-96. doi:10.5014/ajot.62.1.87
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, January/February 2008, Vol. 62, 87-96. doi:10.5014/ajot.62.1.87
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Abstract

OBJECTIVE. This study determined occupational therapists’ perceptions of the following facets of intervention planning: economics, ethics, independent professional judgment, and evidence-based practice.

METHOD. A cross-sectional survey of 142 occupational therapists who provide short-term rehabilitation in five northeastern states was undertaken.

RESULTS. Most occupational therapists (n = 137, 96.5%) fell into one of four clusters, with the largest cluster (n = 86, 60.6%) having positive perceptions about ethics and independent professional judgment but negative perceptions about economic issues. Smaller clusters of occupational therapists were more positive about economic issues or less positive about ethics and independent professional judgment. Negative perceptions about the ability to implement evidence-based practice spanned all clusters.

CONCLUSION. American Occupational Therapy Association's efforts to educate occupational therapists about ethics appear to be effective. Most occupational therapists exercise independent professional judgment but perceive economic limitations when developing intervention plans. Practicing occupational therapists need additional research to support evidence-based practice and help in accessing and using research.