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.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:TORONTO/oai:tspace.library.utoronto.ca:1807/25747 |
| Date | 07 January 2011 |
| Creators | Law, Veronica Mun Wah |
| Contributors | Colantonio, Angela |
| Source Sets | University of Toronto |
| Language | en_ca |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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