Occupational Therapy Assessment Practice Patterns for Core Domains in Adult Populations

Authors

Pamela Roberts, Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Debra Ouellette, Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare, Pomona, CA, USA.
Gordon Muir Giles, Samuel Merritt University, Oakland, CA, USA.
Tracy M. Mroz, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
Jeremy Furniss, American Occupational Therapy Association, North Bethesda, MD, USA.
Julie Malloy, American Occupational Therapy Association, North Bethesda, MD, USA.
Trudy Mallinson, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2-27-2025

Journal

OTJR : occupation, participation and health

DOI

10.1177/15394492251320089

Keywords

activities of daily living; assessment; fear of falling; functional cognition; instrumental activities of daily living; psychosocial participation; screening; vision

Abstract

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.

APA Citation

Roberts, Pamela; Ouellette, Debra; Giles, Gordon Muir; Mroz, Tracy M.; Furniss, Jeremy; Malloy, Julie; and Mallinson, Trudy, "Occupational Therapy Assessment Practice Patterns for Core Domains in Adult Populations" (2025). GW Authored Works. Paper 6516.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/6516

Department

Clinical Research and Leadership