Is Assessment of Function the Core of Occupational Therapy?

Abstract

The focus of this article Is to discuss whether or not assessment of function Is the core of occupational therapy. This Is primarily undertaken through examining the analysis and debate surrounding the literature relatedto this area. Evidence suggests that the concept of function Is Interpreted in diverse ways and the need for commonly accepted definitions Is highlighted. The nature of assessment In relation to core skills Is examined, together with the potential for assessment of function to assist In defining occupational therapy. It Is concluded that assessment of function cannot be Isolated as the singular core of occupational theraP!'.

A Clinical Audit of the Outcome of Occupational Therapy Assessment and Negotiated Patient Goals in the Acute Setting

“…Professional credibility requires the demonstration of efficient and effective interventions. The ability to determine a patient' s functional status through a standardised assessment is essential for effective treatment planning and outcome measurement within the acute setting (Reed and Sanderson 1992, Jeffrey 1993, Unsworth 1993, Phillips and Renton 1995, Smith 1992cited in Haig 1997.…”

Letter from the Editor: Let’s Talk about Function

“…In the early and mid-1990s, many authors were advocating for function to be the central, defining focus of our assessment in OT (Dunn, 1993;Phillips & Renton, 1995;Trombly, 1993). Recently, authors have once again begun to call for function to be a central focus of our assessment process (Doucet & Gutman, 2013;Majnemer, 2009).…”