Internet Use among Occupational Therapists in their Clinical Practice

• Main Author: Law, Veronica Mun Wah
• Other Authors: Colantonio, Angela
• Language: en_ca
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: Internet use; occupational therapists; clinical practice; factors of Internet use; clinical resources; emails; survey study; 0382
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1807/25747

This study investigated the extent to which occupational therapists (OT) use the Internet as a clinical resource and as a tool for communication with clients. It also identified barriers and facilitators associated with Internet use. A survey was mailed to all occupational therapists registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario. Our findings based on 1382 respondents show that a large percentage of occupational therapists currently use the Internet for clinical purposes. A majority of respondents reported using the Internet to meet their practice needs, primarily for looking up relevant clinical information, and less commonly as a communication tool with their clients. Greater Internet use was associated with younger age and fewer years of practice. Having a computer station, a work culture fostering Internet use, accessible technical support, paid time and credible ratings of websites were five most influential factors on Internet use in OTs’ clinical practice.