Affiliations: School of Allied Medical Professions, The Ohio State
University, Columbus, OH, USA | School of Natural and Health Sciences, Mercy College,
Dobbs Ferry, NY, USA | Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Health
Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Amy R. Darragh, PhD, %OTR/L,
Assistant Professor, School of Allied Medical Professions, The Ohio State
University, 453 West 10th Avenue, 406 Atwell Hall, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
Tel.: +1 614 292 0370; Fax: +1 614 292 0210; E-mail: Darragh.6@osu.edu
Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine work activities
associated with work-related injury (WRI) in occupational and physical
therapy. Participants: 1,158 occupational and physical therapists in
Wisconsin responded to a mailed survey, from a total of 3,297 OTs and PTs
randomly selected from the State licensure list. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional, survey design.
Participants reported information about WRI they sustained between 2004 and
2006, including the activities they were performing when injured. Investigators
analyzed 248 injury incidents using qualitative and quantitative analysis. Results: Data were examined across OT and PT practice in general,
and also by practice area. Manual therapy and transfers/lifts were associated
with 54% of all injuries. Other activities associated with injury were distinct
to practice area, for example: floor work in pediatrics; functional activities
in acute care; patient falls in skilled nursing facilities; and motor vehicle
activities in home care. Conclusions: Injury prevention activities must address transfers and
manual therapy, but also must examine setting-specific activities influenced by
environment and patient population.
Keywords: Occupational injury, therapy activities, pediatrics, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation, home health
