# Orthopedic Surgery Residents: How Much Do They Know About Occupational Therapy?

## TL;DR

Orthopedic surgery residents know OT is important for hand surgery but lack formal training on its role.

## Contribution

This study reveals a gap in orthopedic residents' education regarding occupational therapy in the U.S.

## Key findings

- Residents rated OT importance highly (4.5/5) but had mediocre familiarity.
- Most residents (11/14) reported no formal training on OT roles.
- Residents expressed interest in shadowing occupational therapists.

## Abstract

Background

Orthopedic hand surgeons rely on occupational therapy (OT) as a crucial part of rehabilitation following injury or surgery. Therefore, orthopedic surgeons should understand the full range of OT services. There is limited prior research on orthopedic residents’ understanding of OT in the United States. The main goal of this study is to examine how well orthopedic surgery residents grasp and perceive the role of OT, particularly in hand surgery, as integrated into their educational curriculum.

Methods

The study included all orthopedic surgery residents from a single institution (Columbia University, New York) during 2022-2023. We obtained permission from the Institutional Review Board, Department Chair, and Program Director to recruit participants. Eligible residents who agreed to participate completed questionnaires regarding their understanding of the role of OT in orthopedic surgery.

Results

Thirty subjects met the inclusion criteria. The total response rate from the residents was 14/30 (47%). The residents reported a mediocre level of familiarity with OT while also rating 4.5/5 the importance of OT in hand surgery without significant difference between postgraduate year groups. 11/14 residents reported no formal training concerning the role of OT in hand surgery. 12/14 residents reported that it would be helpful to spend time with an occupational therapist.

Conclusions

This study revealed the lack of confidence residents expressed regarding occupational therapists' roles. All residents recognized the importance of OT in hand surgery and expressed interest in shadowing occupational therapists. Residents of all levels acknowledge the crucial partnership between orthopedists and occupational therapists but lack formal education about the therapist's scope and role.