OT Referral Barriers and Knowledge Gaps in U.S.

Presenter

Zachery Edwards, B.S., OTS

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

Medical providers in the United States (US) have a lack of education and understanding of occupational therapies (OT's) full scope of practice (SOP) (Vij, 2023). This creates a client threat because individuals are losing access to skilled OT services. The aim of this study was to identify main themes and sub-themes in US medical providers' short answer responses in a national survey related to their utilization of OT and what they would like to learn more about related to OT. Qualitative data was attained via a national survey administered to medical providers. This study focused on question three (Q3): "Why don't you refer clients to OT?" and question six (Q6): "If you could learn more about OT, what would you like to know?." Q3 yielded a total of 424 responses and Q6 yielded a total of 753 responses. Thematic analysis identified five primary themes related to Q3: Knowledge and awareness gaps on OTs SOP; providers role and SOP constraints; limited perceived need of OT and/or opportunity to refer; referral pathway and system structure barriers; and access and resource barriers. Thematic analysis identified five primary themes related to Q6: OT's full SOP, roles across settings, treatments, outcomes, tools, and access; differences between OT, physical therapy (PT), and other therapies; referral requirements and ICD 10 codes for OT; what clients qualify for/ benefit from OT services; and how medical providers can utilize OT skills themselves/ educate clients on OT.

Faculty Mentor

Samantha Rosenthal, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Academic Discipline

College of Health & Wellness

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