Survey of the current status of education in vocational rehabilitation at hospitals and the undergraduate program for occupational therapy in Niigata prefecture

摘要

A description of education in occupational therapy (OT), in a sample of 4 colleges in Niigata prefecture (2003-2004) with vocational therapy for disabilities was assessed by mail survey. The survey requested syllabus information, nonpatient practices and lectures with introductions in programs for OT students. Respondents were asked for their current syllabus in vocational therapy and teaching methods in college in comparison to hospitals. Additionally, we asked departments of occupational therapy in major hospitals in Niigata prefecture for assessment methods for vocational rehabilitation which were usually used. Results indicated that current items of vocational evaluation for patients in hospitals were different from programs in colleges. General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB) and YG Personality Index (YGPI) were used in all hospitals and colleges. Kohs Block Design Test and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) were not used in programs for students but were used in hospitals. Although Vocational Preference Inventory (VPI), Tokyo University Egogram (TEG) and Allen cognitive performance test were taught to students in college, no hospital in Niigata used these tests. The current status of education programs in vocational therapy illustrated some differences between hospitals and colleges. These results suggest that different contents were given to students at the college in vocational evaluation compared with clinical practice. Faculties might have to consider changing curriculum and syllabi in vocational therapy for clinical practice in Niigata. If assessment items could be useful for clinical practice, the faculty should inform clinical colleagues who can use it appropriately for the patient's evaluation.