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A research agenda for hand therapy.
Joy C MacDermid1, Elaine E Fess, Judith Bell-Krotoski
1Hand and Upper Limb Centre, St. Joseph's Health Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.
Summary
Hand therapists face research barriers due to reimbursement issues. Urgent clinical trials are needed to confirm hand therapy effectiveness for conditions like cumulative trauma and tendon repairs.
Area of Science:
- Hand therapy
- Rehabilitation research
Background:
- Hand therapy research is crucial for evidence-based practice.
- Understanding research priorities and barriers is essential for advancing the field.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify research priorities in hand therapy.
- To investigate barriers hindering hand therapy research.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to 401 hand therapists.
- Respondents reported on research priorities and barriers.
Main Results:
- Reimbursement issues, especially from managed care, negatively impacted patient care, job satisfaction, and research capabilities.
- Urgent need identified for clinical trials on hand therapy interventions.
- Research priorities included traditional disorders (e.g., tendon repairs) and cumulative trauma.
Conclusions:
- Reimbursement policies significantly affect hand therapy practice and research.
- Professional organizations should support clinicians in research endeavors.
- Further research, particularly clinical trials, is vital for hand therapy.