Computers and occupational therapy

Survey data were collected from a sample of 298 occupational therapy department directors on (a) department demographics; (b) availability of micro- or macrocomputers; (c) types of hardware, software, and peripheral devices used; (d) major purposes and functions for computers; and (e) major factors regarding choice of computers and equipment or factors most influential in the nonuse of computers. Usable questionnaires were returned from 238 or 80% of the sample. Thirty-five percent of the respondents had access to microcomputers in their work setting; however, only 11% actually had them in their occupational therapy department. The study also noted the versatility and adaptability of the computer as used in occupational therapy and discussed common limitations in its use.