Purpose: The purpose was to compare the knowledge and recognition of battered women in clinical settings by Florida physical and occupational therapists. Subjects: 300 randomly selected licensed AOTA occupational therapists were surveyed in Florida yielding a return rate of 52%. 300 APTA Florida physical therapists were surveyed in 1996 yielding a return rate of 47%. Methodology: Data were analyzed by using frequency distribution, Chi square and independent t-tests with alpha level set at .05. Survey instrument used was designed by Clark. Results: A significantly larger percentage of OTs suspected battery, t(2.71), p=007. OTs use significantly more screening protocols with patients, p≤.001. OTs received more professional schooling and continuing education as sources of information, p≤.001, yet overall knowledge of OTs and PTs was low. Conclusion: Occupational therapists recognize female battery patients more often, use screening protocols more often and have more professional school and continuing education on domestic violence. Results show that the use of screening protocols maybe critical in identifying battery among their female patients.
| Date of Award | Jan 1 1998 |
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| Original language | English |
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