Infographic Utilization Among School-Based Occupational and Physical Therapists: A Survey of Current Practices, Barriers, and Training Needs

Infographics are powerful visual communication tools that simplify complex information; however, their application in school-based therapy remains largely unexplored. AIMS: This study investigated utilization patterns, knowledge, and perceptions of infographics among school-based occupational and physical therapists across the United States. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study employed an online survey distributed through professional networks from May to August 2025. The 34-item survey assessed familiarity, usage frequency, perceived effectiveness, barriers, and training needs. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests analyzed quantitative data, while content analysis examined qualitative responses. RESULTS: Of 176 participants, 89.4% were familiar with infographics, yet only 72% used them in practice. Among users, 41% employed infographics monthly, with 86.5% rating them moderately to extremely effective in enhancing teacher understanding. Primary barriers included time constraints (54.1%), limited software access (44.0%), and unfamiliarity with creation processes (22.0%). Despite barriers, over 80% expressed interest in training and guidance. School district size significantly influenced perceptions about time-saving benefits and training needs. CONCLUSIONS: A significant awareness-to-implementation gap exists in infographic utilization among school-based therapists. While practitioners recognize their value, systemic barriers prevent regular implementation. Targeted professional development, infrastructure support, and collaborative resource development could enhance visual communication and knowledge translation in school-based practice.