Methods of Evaluation in Occupational Therapy Practice
Full Course Description
This course will advance one’s understanding of evidence-based assessments in clinical practice and build upon knowledge of theories and clinical reasoning to utilize therapeutic use of self, assess clients’ body function, psychosocial status, activity/occupational performance, and participation in occupations. Integrating knowledge of the psychometric properties of assessments, occupational profile, context, and presenting problems, students will articulate their clinical reasoning for choosing assessments (standardized and non-standardized) for a variety of clients in clinical and research contexts. Through critical reflection and case studies, students will interpret scores and evaluation data to inform occupation-based, client-centered intervention planning.
Objectives
Upon successful completion of the course, the participant will:
- Differentiate assessments for specific occupational areas, components, and contexts.
- Select assessments based upon frames and reference and practice models, client factors, and setting, for treatment and research.
- Evaluate assessments’ psychometric properties and apply knowledge to practical use of assessments.
- Interpret how psychometric properties impact the utility of assessments.
- Demonstrate correct testing procedures and assessment interpretation.
- Document evaluation data accurately using standard documentation procedures, recognizing legal and ethical issues within the evaluation process.
- Differentiate between standardized, non-standardized, published, non-published, and commercial assessment instruments.
- Integrate knowledge of psychometrics, therapy domains, aligned frames of reference/models, and clients’ needs/information in selection of assessment for a variety of cases.