Occupational Therapy Assessment Practice Patterns for Core Domains in Adult Populations

Practitioners need to demonstrate the value of occupational therapy services in achieving effective patient outcomes. To intervene effectively, we must have adequate assessment practices. This study examines variation in occupational therapy assessment practices by facility type, areas addressed, and types of instruments. The study characterizes commonly and frequently used assessment practices in core occupational domains and identifies potential practice gaps related to assessment. A cross-sectional online survey across six domains central to adult occupational therapy practice (activities of daily living [ADL], instrumental activities of daily living [IADL], fear of falling, functional cognition, psychosocial, and vision) was administered to practitioners in various settings. Surveys were obtained from 1,198 respondent. Survey responses identified differences in domains being assessed and assessment methods used by occupational therapy practitioners across hospital inpatient post-acute care facilities and community settings. There is variability in the methods used to assess domains critical to occupational therapy practice and the degree to which occupational therapists evaluate domains in practice settings.