What occupational and physical therapists know about farmers' health.

PURPOSE: Farmers are at high risk for losing their occupation because of their susceptibility for developing chronic conditions and incurring injuries. Although, occupational and physical therapists have basic education in return-to-work methods, specialty training is needed to help farmers with disabilities. The North Carolina AgrAbility Partnership, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's supported AgrAbility Program, implemented an exploratory survey of North Carolina occupational and physical therapists before developing training curricula for working with farmers.

METHODS: State occupational and physical therapy association members were surveyed on what types of conditions they could treat, how comfortable they were in treating these conditions and making recommendations for environmental modifications, and what resources are available for farmers related to work site accommodations.

RESULTS: Findings showed that less than one third of therapists had farm exposure or had ever treated farmers. Significant differences in identifying farmers' typical conditions were found between therapists who had treated and those who had not treated farmers. Physical therapists were more comfortable than occupational therapists in treating farmers for repetitive stress syndromes, work-related trauma, and musculoskeletal disorders while occupational therapists were more comfortable in treating farmers for social isolation and low vision. More physical therapists also rated themselves as competent in farm environmental assessment and adaptation. On the other hand, occupational therapists were aware of more agencies that aid farmers. Finally, few therapists had education on working with farmers or had heard of AgrAbility.

CONCLUSIONS: To create farmer-centered intervention, therapists should take continuing education courses and investigate resources for helping farmers with chronic conditions and disabilities return to their chosen occupation.