Analysis of practice-role perceptions of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language therapy students

The purpose of this study was to determine whether physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), and speech-language therapy (SLP) students shared common perceptions of the practice roles of the three disciplines. The survey instrument used in this study contained 55 questions that addressed practice-role perceptions. The questions were based on a case study. A total of 172 undergraduate students (PT 71, OT 52, SLP 49) from a southeastern university participated. Chi-square test of association was used to analyze the data. Results showed that PT, OT, and SLP students shared common perceptions of administrative and educational practice roles but differed on their perceptions of assessment and physical/mental treatment roles. Practice-role confusion was particularly acute between OT and PT and between OT and SLP students in these areas.