Measurement Tools in Occupational Therapy Practice Primary School Setting: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Occupational Therapy
• Educational Psychology
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Occupational therapists (OTs) are vital for primary school students' participation.
• Measurement tools are key for identifying supports and barriers, but their alignment with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health-Child and Youth Version (ICF-CY) is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify measurement tools used by OTs in primary schools.
• To map these tools' focus against ICF-CY components.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive scoping review adhering to the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual.
• Searches across four databases (PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Web of Science) and gray literature.
• Inclusion of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method studies from 2007-2025.

Main Results:

• Fifty-two measurement tools were identified in school-based OT practice.
• Handwriting was the primary focus, with tools like the Minnesota Handwriting Assessment frequently used.
• Most tools assessed cognitive and motor functions, with limited consideration of environmental factors.

Conclusions:

• Current school-based OT measurement tools predominantly focus on specific functions like handwriting.
• There is a need for more comprehensive tools that incorporate environmental factors.
• Future research should prioritize developing holistic assessment tools for improved student occupational performance.