Perceptions of role overlap between occupational and physical therapists in an inpatient physical rehabilitation setting

This study explored the issue of role overlap between PTs and OTs in an inpatient physical rehabilitation setting. One hundred participants, 40 OTs and 60 PTs from New Jersey, Northeastern Pennsylvania, and New York completed surveys with twenty closed and two open-ended questions. Using SPSS 10.1, mean percentages were calculated to find frequencies and compare any differing perceptions between PTs and OTs. Chisquares were run to determine if the results were statistically significant. Recurrent themes were found among the responses of the OTs and PTs. Results suggest that role overlap does exist. These results could be in part due to the fact that the therapists worked in inpatient physical rehabilitation settings, the influence of reimbursement plans on therapy, or the ongoing struggle OTs face in identifying a need for their profession