Frequency of Goal Setting Contact with Physical Therapists Is Associated with Orthotist’s Perceived Skill Level

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Effective communication is key to the development of a successful interdisciplinary team, and effective communication cannot be achieved without an accurate understanding of role awareness. Communication within interdisciplinary teams may be particularly important for orthotists given their highly specialized scope of practice, the limited public awareness of the profession, and relatively recent increases to minimum education requirements. Because physical therapists (PTs) and orthotists commonly work together to restore mobility, the purpose of this study was to determine if there are factors associated with the perceived value of orthotists as members of the health care team among PTs. Materials and Methods This study consisted of a cross-sectional survey assessing demographic characteristics and four value variables. The survey was distributed via email using snowball sampling to health care team members. Responses from PTs were analyzed through a series of statistical testing for significant correlations of the demographic characteristics and value variables. Results A total of 68 responses from PTs were included in the final analysis. Mutual patient goal setting contact showed a statistically significant relationship with frequency of contact and the perceived skill level of orthotists. The mean orthotist skill level was 86.57 (±10.24, min = 59, max = 100). The frequency of mutual patient goal setting contact was higher for PTs who were younger, had a higher level of education, and fewer years of experience. Conclusions Despite its rich history, orthotics may be considered relatively new as a profession, and orthotists are often still establishing their role within a team setting. Mutual patient goal setting may provide a key opportunity for orthotists to increase awareness of their skill set and demonstrate their value as professional members of the health care team. Interprofessional education is another opportunity to increase role awareness and may explain why younger PTs with higher levels of education and fewer years of experience were more likely to set mutual patient goals with orthotists. Clinical Relevance The results of this study show that engaging in mutual patient goal setting with PTs may be an avenue for orthotists to demonstrate their skills, knowledge, and, ultimately, their value.