Occupational Therapy Services in School-Based Practice: A Pediatric Occupational Therapy Perspective from Ireland

Area of Science:

• Pediatric occupational therapy
• School-based interventions
• Health and education collaboration

Background:

• School settings are crucial for pediatric occupational therapy.
• International data on school-based occupational therapy is scarce.
• Understanding current practices in Ireland is essential for service development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore current school-based occupational therapy practices in Ireland.
• To identify potential service provision models and development pathways.
• To provide the first comprehensive overview of this practice area in Ireland.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive quantitative study using a cross-sectional online survey.
• Targeted pediatric occupational therapists working in Irish schools.
• Data analyzed via qualitative content analysis and descriptive statistics.

Main Results:

• 35 responses received, with a 21.2% response rate.
• Therapy most commonly provided weekly or monthly; few therapists worked in the same school consistently.
• Direct therapy was the primary approach; no universal or tiered models were used.
• Collaboration viewed as a strength but hindered by differing health/education philosophies.
• 75% reported no specific training in evidence-based school practice.

Conclusions:

• Therapists need ongoing education in evidence-based school practice tailored to the Irish context.
• Clearer definitions of school therapy roles and service delivery models are required.
• Improved coordination between health and education services can maximize outcomes.