Healthcare practitioners’ self-efficacy working with autistic older adults

Donoyan, Sandra and Estwani, Dima and Fattal, Jennifer and Santos, Rocen (2021) Healthcare practitioners’ self-efficacy working with autistic older adults. Masters thesis, Stanbridge University.

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Abstract

Introduction: Our study focuses on healthcare professionals’ quality of care for autistic adults aged 50 years or older. We aimed to compare intervention methods of these practitioners across two disciplines, varying from occupational therapists to physical therapists. Objective: Our research study aimed to probe the quality of care that healthcare practitioners bestow upon their autistic older adult patients. The data we collected serves as determinants on whether these professionals require more training to care for and provide for this population. Methods: Participants were recruited through an email listserv, Facebook groups for healthcare practitioners, and any participants who learned of the study through its flyers. Of the 30 participants, 28 met the inclusion criteria — 22 were occupational therapy practitioners and 6 were physical therapy practitioners. Participants completed a survey with qualitative and quantitative components. Results: A significant difference was found between occupational therapy and physical therapy practitioners in the exposure of working with autistic older adults. The results indicated that occupational therapy practitioners reported higher confidence rates when asked to work with autistic older adults. Conclusion: Our study suggests a direction for future healthcare practitioners working with autistic older adults. The results of this pilot participatory study provided input from participating practitioners to better inform and educate employees on interactions with this population to enhance therapeutic relationships. The data collected in the survey enhances the knowledge sought after and acquired by healthcare professionals.

Item Type: Thesis (Masters)
Subjects: R Medicine > RC Internal medicine
Depositing User: Institutional Administrator
Date Deposited: 25 Jan 2022 23:28
Last Modified: 25 Jan 2022 23:28
URI: http://repository.stanbridge.edu/id/eprint/100

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