Clinical reasoning process for service provision in the public school

Area of Science:

• Occupational Therapy
• Educational Psychology
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• School-based occupational therapy (OT) services are crucial for student development.
• Decision-making for OT service provision requires a structured approach.
• Existing practices may lack consistency and clear justification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline a clinical reasoning process for occupational therapy (OT) service provision in schools.
• To enhance the consistency and appropriateness of OT service decisions.
• To improve therapist communication regarding educational OT interventions.

Main Methods:

• Development of a clinical reasoning framework based on OT theory and public law.
• Application of the framework within the Wake County Public School System.
• Utilizing schematic diagrams to illustrate the decision-making process.

Main Results:

• Increased consistency in OT decision-making among therapists.
• Improved appropriateness of decisions regarding student need, service type, and frequency.
• Enhanced ability of therapists to articulate the rationale for OT services.

Conclusions:

• The clinical reasoning process provides a standardized approach to school-based OT.
• The framework supports evidence-based and legally compliant OT service delivery.
• Schematic diagrams serve as valuable training tools for school-based OT practitioners.