The integration of computers into the occupational therapy department

Despite the growing interest in and use of microcomputers as an occupational therapy assessment and treatment modality, many factors still limit their widespread adoption in the clinical milieu. Such factors include inadequate background preparation; insufficient financial resources; the overwhelming number of choices of computer hardware, software, and adaptive devices; lack of product support; rapidity of change; and skepticism of administrators and clinicians. The purpose of this paper is to outline procedures that will facilitate the integration of microcomputers into the clinical milieu by (a) identifying the reasons why and how these devices are used improperly; (b) proposing ways to correct these problems; (c) providing recommendations concerning the acquisition of major microcomputer hardware, software, and adaptations; and (d) providing an annotated list of resources for further information.