Citation

Rogers JC, Holm MB. Dialogues Clin. Neurosci. 2016; 18(2): 145-154.

Affiliation

Professors Emeritus, Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Les Laboratoires Servier)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

27489454

Abstract

Occupational therapists have been conducting functional assessments since World War I, and this accumulated experience has taught us several critical lessons. First, a comprehensive profile of a patient's functioning requires multiple assessment methods. Second, assessment content and measurement constructs must change with the times. Third, technology can enhance and extend functional assessment. Fourth, performance-based assessments of everyday activities can also be used to measure body functions/impairments. However, while deconstructing activities into body functions/impairments is possible, the results do not reflect patients' abilities to integrate the cognitive, motor, sensory and affective functions necessary to complete a complex activity. Finally, the differential complexity of everyday activities that a patient can master or successfully complete can also provide a ruler with which to measure progress.
KEYWORDS:
functional assessment; mental health; occupational therapy; performance assessment

Language: en