Perception of occupational therapy intervention in wheelchair seating among healthcare professionals in Bahrain.

Background: Proper wheelchair seating is essential for functional independence and quality of life. However, the role of Occupational Therapy (OT) in these interventions is often undervalued within multidisciplinary teams, particularly in regions like Bahrain where specific systemic barriers are not fully understood. Objective: To investigate the perceptions, awareness, and referral practices of Bahraini healthcare professionals (HCPs) regarding OT in wheelchair seating and mobility (WSM). Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 110 licensed HCPs in Bahrain, primarily physical therapists (34.5%), nurses (27.3%), and medical doctors (18.2%). Data were collected on professional awareness, self-rated knowledge, referral history, and systemic barriers. Statistical analyses included Pearson's Chi-Square, Kruskal-Wallis H tests, and Binary Logistic Regression to identify predictors of clinical referrals. Results: While 80.9% of respondents were aware of the OT role, only 33.6% had ever referred a patient to OT for seating, revealing a profound "knowledge-practice gap". OT interventions were highly regarded, with 74.5% of participants viewing them as "very effective". Primary obstacles to referral included a lack of HCP awareness (78.2%), limited OT availability (71.8%), and high equipment costs (63.6%). Binary logistic regression identified formal training as the only significant independent predictor of referral behavior ( Conclusion: Despite a high level of professional regard for OT, systemic barriers and a critical lack of specialized training hinder its clinical integration in Bahrain. To optimize wheelchair service delivery, healthcare institutions must prioritize structured interprofessional education (IPE) and implement standardized digital referral pathways within electronic medical records.