Increasing Knowledge of OT Roles: An Interprofessional Educational Approach for PA and Nursing Students

Reina Goldberg

Co-Presenters: Ally Costello, Elary Rasmy, Corey Finnegan

College: College of Health Professions and Human Services

Major: OTD.OCCUPATHERAPY

Faculty Research Mentor: Jennifer Gardner  

Abstract:

Purpose: The purpose of the current study is to assess the impact of an interprofessional education session (IPE) in promoting and supporting physician assistant and nursing students' perceptions and understanding of occupational therapy's roles and scope of practice, particularly in primary care settings.Design: Quantitative pretest-posttest design.Participants: Up to 40 nursing students (n ≦ 40) and 25 physician assistant students (n=25) from a North Eastern Public University in the United States.Intervention: A 60-minute IPE session consisting of a PowerPoint presentation outlining occupational therapy’s role in primary care, followed by a case study activity with guided discussion of potential occupational therapy referrals.Measure: A 15-item adapted questionnaire assessing participants’ knowledge, role perceptions, and confidence related to occupational therapy.Analysis: Descriptive statistics will be calculated, and paired-samples t-tests will be used when pre- and post-survey data can be matched to examine changes in participants’ knowledge, perceptions, and confidence related to occupational therapy.Results: Data collection and analysis are underway in the Spring 2026 semester.Clinical implications: Education and advocacy for occupational therapy (OT) within primary care can improve providers' understanding of when and how to refer patients to OT, strengthen collaboration between occupational therapists and primary care providers, and support earlier and more appropriate referrals for holistic management of chronic conditions, daily functioning, and health promotion.