ABSTRACT

Objective : The purpose of this study was to survey perceptions and practices in infection control among occupational therapists who perform dysphagia rehabilitation. Methods : This study was to surveys were implement occupational therapists who perform dysphagia rehabilitation. Before filling up the questionnaire, respondents were given the explanation about the aim of the survey, and they agreed to it. In total, 423 copies of the questionnaire were distributed, and 356 copies were collected, and 345 copies were used in the analysis excluding 11 copies on which respondents omitted to answer many questions. Results : The result of the survey to targeting the overall occupational therapists were found to perform hand hygiene activity like washing hands well, but, there are some significant differences in different treatment areas like child rehabilitation and adult rehabilitation, and depending on clinical careers. And, in the use of private protective gear, they were found to be the most negligent in wearing masks and private protective clothing. Conclusion : While hand-washing is performed well in general. But, there were some differences in the kinds of soap used, and hand-drying methods. In addition, the consciousness on using protective gear in performing dysphagia rehabilitation was found to have declined. Such findings seem to the results of declining frequency of infection control education on occupational therapists in the institutions.