Records: One Measure of Occupational Therapy Practice in the Field of Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

This study examined whether occupational therapists working with adult clients with developmental disabilities in New South Wales maintain client records and whether such records can be used for research purposes. A records audit was conducted to examine record format, nature of assessment, evidence of goals and client consultation in goal setting and whether legal requirements were met in the records. The findings demonstrate that New South Wales occupational therapists working in developmental disabilities maintain records for their adult clients; however, record formats vary, goals are notably absent and generally there is inconsistent data collection. The implications of these findings for using occupational therapists' records for evaluation and research are discussed.