Clinical Applications of the Standard Error of Measurement for Occupational and Phsical Therapists

Standardized pediatric testing is a common tool used to gather information is the assessment process for occupational and physical therapists. A description of the application of the standard error of measurement (SEM) for interpretation of children's scores from standardized norm- referenced tests is given. Three case examples are presented to demonstrate the use of the SEM and its impact on children's test scores when therapist are making critical clinical decisions. Recommendations for therapist related to interpreting standardized testing, reporting test scores, and measuring intervention progress are included.