Article

Purpose: To examine attitudes of students in Ontario master's degree programmes
in occupational therapy (MScOT) and physical therapy (MScPT) toward adults with
intellectual disability (ID). Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey
study was conducted. An electronic questionnaire was distributed to 1,255
MScOT/PT students at five Ontario universities via email, using a modified
Dillman approach. Descriptive statistics were used to describe experiences,
attitudes, willingness, and preparedness. Results: Overall response rate was
17.9%. A total of 96.0% of respondents felt "quite" or "very willing" to deliver
rehabilitation to adults with ID; however, 50.7% of respondents felt "not at all
prepared" or "a little prepared" to interact with this population in a clinical
setting. Of those who felt unprepared, 75.4% reported it to be due to inadequate
knowledge. In addition, Ontario MScOT/PT students have neutral attitudes toward
adults with ID. Conclusions: While many MScOT/PT students are willing to deliver
rehabilitation to adults with ID, a large proportion do not feel adequately
prepared to interact with this population in a clinical setting. These findings
could inform future research and curricular reform in the rehabilitation
professions so that future clinicians are better prepared to provide support for
this population.

Langue : ANGLAIS