Quality indicators in occupational therapy : a scoping review

Background: Occupational therapists are increasingly asked to demonstrate the effectiveness, appropriateness, and/or efficiency of interventions to funding bodies. In some countries, quality indicators have been defined for this purpose (WFOT, 2023). Aim: Our aim was to establish which quality indicators are used internationally to demonstrate the effectiveness, appropriateness, and/or efficiency of occupational therapy interventions to funding bodies. Method: We conducted a scoping review limited to Europe and the English-speaking world. We used the databases CINAHL Complete and MEDLINE, as well as free internet search. Furthermore, we contacted several national occupational therapy associations and other international contacts. Results: The screening process resulted in 32 studies/documents from six national contexts. While there was little information on the topic, we identified and described process-level indicators, functional outcome indicators, an outcome indicator based on individual goal attainment (GAS), and a patient reported experience measure (PRO-Ergo). Conclusions: All identified quality indicators have advantages and disadvantages. Process-level indicators specific to occupational therapy could be a chance to foster best practice. GAS and PROErgo allow an evaluation on the level of participation and activity. Less specific functional outcome indicators may be useful additional quality indicators for some areas of practice.