A question of professional boundaries: implications for educational programs.

During recent on-site visits a curriculum fieldwork coordinator learned that occupational therapy students were expected to use physical therapy modalities in the treatment of patients. Since the students had no academic preparation in the use of these modalities, the curriculum committee of the academic program was advised of the situation. Two academic occupational therapy programs collaborated in sending out a 48-item questionnaire to the centers currently cooperating in their fieldwork programs with the purpose of determining the kinds of modalities being used in treatment. Results of the survey showed that there was self-reported use of physical therapy modalities by occupational therapists throughout the country with greater use in some regions. The survey also showed occupational therapy involvement in new treatment areas but diminished use of some traditional therapeutic media. Guidelines are suggested regarding student involvement in new treatment areas.