Interprofessional perceptions between occupational therapists and physical therapists: barriers to effective interdisciplinary team functioning

Authors

Jennifer L. Gober, Florida International University

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Major/Program

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor's Name

Susan Kaplan

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Agnes Sheffey

Third Advisor's Name

Susan D'Agati

Date of Defense

3-5-2002

Abstract

OT and PT practitioners are expected to function as members of an interdisciplinary team effectively. It is important to be aware of the barriers that may create conflict between them. The purpose of this study was to examine interprofessional perceptions regarding interprofessional and practice issues that might serve as barriers to effective interdisciplinary team functioning. A random sample of 400 therapists (200 OTs and 200 PTs) was mailed questionnaires. A total of 182 questionnaires were used for data analysis. Research questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, t-tests, and chi-squares.

This study finds that OTs and PTs have differences in perceptions on interprofessional issues that may be generalized to other OTs and PTs. Both disciplines disagree upon attributes that either characterize their own profession or the other profession. It is recommended OTs and PTs acknowledge these barriers and work together in a collaborative manner to overcome them.

Identifier

FI15101603

Recommended Citation

Gober, Jennifer L., "Interprofessional perceptions between occupational therapists and physical therapists: barriers to effective interdisciplinary team functioning" (2002). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 4002.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/4002