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Pediatric Physical Therapists’ Perceptions of Their Training in Assistive Technology

TM Long, PT, PhD, is Associate Professor, Director of Training, and Director, Division of Physical Therapy, Center for Child and Human Development, Georgetown University, Box 571485, 3300 Whitehaven St NW, Suite 3300, Washington, DC 20057-1485 (USA). She also is Lead Investigator, The Training Needs of Interdisciplinary Team Members in Assistive Technology
DF Perry, PhD, is Assistant Professor and Director, Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, Women's and Children's Health Policy Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Md

Address all correspondence to Dr Long at: longt{at}georgetown.edu

Background and Purpose: Availability of assistive technology (AT) and federal legislation promoting greater use of AT for children with disabilities have increased substantially. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceived adequacy of previous training in AT, specific training needs, preferred methods of training, and the confidence level of pediatric physical therapists in providing AT.

Subjects and Methods: Three hundred eighty pediatric physical therapists responded to a survey questionnaire mailed to a random sample of members of the Section on Pediatrics of the American Physical Therapy Association. The survey was used to determine training needs of therapists in the area of AT, their confidence in delivering AT services, preferred methods of training, and challenges in becoming trained.

Results: The therapists reported having less-than-adequate training in AT and a lack of confidence in delivering AT services. They also reported that they would like accessible and affordable training that focuses on funding technology and services, knowledge of specific devices, and assessment and evaluation methods.

Discussion and Conclusion: The findings underscore the need to develop pre-service, in-service, and continuing education training opportunities in AT for providers working with children who have disabilities.