An Occupation-Based Review of Assessments used in Pediatric Occupational Therapy Practice

Assessment tools are a critical component of the occupational therapy evaluation process. Despite the profession’s push toward occupation-centered practice, the classification of assessment tools as occupation-based versus skill-based does not exist. An occupation-based review of pediatric occupational therapy assessment tools was completed and scored according to the Occupation-Based Practice Assessment to classify assessment tools on a continuum of discrete or skill-based to occupation-based. Of the top 11 most frequently used tools, four were classified as occupation-based, three were classified as intermediate, and four were classified as discrete. In total, only 36% of commonly selected assessment tools are occupation-based. Pediatric occupational therapists may need to select a variety of assessment tools to best guide practice; however, to promote occupation-centered practice, intentionally selecting occupation-based assessment tools can establish a trajectory of occupation-based services ensuring a unique contribution to the care of pediatric clients.