Objective, function-focused occupational therapy assessments informed by relevant evidence, observed performance, and the real-world demands of daily life and work.
Individualized Assessment
Assessment methods are selected according to the purpose of the assessment, the individual’s circumstances, the available information, and the functional or occupational issues requiring evaluation. Depending on the assessment, this may include interview, document review, standardized measures, physical or cognitive performance testing, functional task assessment, work simulation, environmental assessment, and observation of performance in relevant settings.
A Function-Focused Perspective
Occupational therapy assessment considers not only performance on individual tests or measures, but how an individual's abilities and limitations affect performance of relevant daily and occupational activities.
Findings are considered in relation to the tasks the individual needs or is expected to perform, the environment in which performance occurs, and other factors that may influence function. Depending on the referral, this may include personal care and household activities, mobility, work tasks, cognitive demands, equipment use, workplace configuration, and other relevant activities.
Functional performance is considered in relation to real-world demands.
Multiple Sources of Information
Occupational therapy assessment draws on multiple sources of information to develop a balanced understanding of function. Findings are considered together rather than relying on any single test result, observation, or reported limitation.
Reported Information
The individual’s description of symptoms, abilities, limitations, daily activities, work demands, and relevant functional history.
Clinical & Performance Findings
Information obtained through appropriate clinical examination, standardized measures, functional testing, task performance, and direct observation.
Occupational & Environmental Demands
The physical, cognitive, organizational, and environmental requirements associated with the activities, occupations, and settings relevant to the referral.
Available Documentation
Relevant medical, rehabilitation, vocational, workplace, and previous assessment information provided for review.