Date Presented 04/04/2025
Primary care providers recognize the benefits of OT for patient health but lack awareness of its full scope. Logistical barriers and education gaps hinder integration. Collaboration and education are crucial for successful implementation.
Primary Author and Speaker: Kiernin Lewis
Contributing Authors: Tara C. Klinedinst
PURPOSE: We aimed to report primary care clinicians’ (PCC) understanding of the scope of occupational therapy (OT) and the interest/opportunities for integration of OT into the primary care workflow.
DESIGN: This is a mixed methods descriptive study reporting results of a survey disseminated through the Oklahoma Practice-Based Research Network.
METHOD: PCC completed a brief survey including multiple choice and open-ended response options. Frequencies of quantitative responses and synthesis of direct quotes are reported.
RESULTS: We received 15 complete responses. Six PCC practiced in urban settings, five suburban, three rural, and one unknown (retired PCC). All PCC believe that patients would benefit from having access to OT in primary care, and 12/15 believed occupational therapists could alleviate PCC burden. Common conditions for referral include hand pain, autism spectrum disorder, stroke, and cerebral palsy. In open-ended responses, none reported aging in place or chronic disease management as within the scope of OT. Though there was consensus on the benefits of integrating OT into primary care, only 2 PCC expressed optimism about the feasibility of integration, citing logistical barriers (space, lack of education, staffing, and administrative approval). No PCC were aware of a primary care clinic in Oklahoma that provides integrated OT services.
DISCUSSION: PCC demonstrated varied understanding of the scope of OT and desire for collaborative efforts with OTs to improve health outcomes in primary care settings. This survey indicates that PCPs would benefit from increased education regarding occupational therapy scopes of practice and collaboration on integrated models of care.
IMPACT STATEMENT: PCC understands the rationale for OT inclusion in primary care settings. However, for occupational therapists who want to enter primary care, comprehensive clinic engagement, including education on scope, is key to integration.
References
Donnelly, C., Leclair, L., Hand, C., Wener, P., & Letts, L. (2023). Occupational therapy services in primary care: a scoping review. Primary health care research & development, 24, e7. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1463423622000123
Donnelly, C., Brenchley, C., Crawford, C., & Letts, L. (2013). The integration of occupational therapy into primary care: a multiple case study design. BMC family practice, 14, 60. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2296-14-60
