The Utilization of Occupational Therapy Services for Persons with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate the utilization of occupational therapy services in persons with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, to better understand if services are being provided, the types of interventions being provided, and satisfaction of services. Using survey methods, an online questionnaire was made available to persons with CMT listed on association websites worldwide. One hundred and fifteen persons with CMT, residing in all geographical regions within the United States and seven other countries participated in the study. Around half of all participants had received occupational therapy services. Twelve interventions were identified as being provided for persons with CMT. Although the majority of individuals receiving occupational therapy services did not feel like it improved their quality of life, the majority of individuals would recommend occupational therapy services to others and would return to an occupational therapist. Of those participants not receiving occupational therapy, the majority felt they would benefit from occupational therapy services. The results suggest that occupational therapy services are not being well utilized for this population. A low response rate limits generalization, thus further research is necessary.