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

Credentials Display

Alysha Skuthan, Ph.D., OTR/L; Wendy Stav, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA; Gracyn McVey, MSOT, OTR/L; Jennifer Martinez, MSOT, OTR/L; Marissa Hunter, MSOT, OTR/L; Erin Diroll, MSOT, OTR/L; Maureen Flanagan, MSOT, OTR/L

Abstract

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.

Comments

The authors declare that they have no competing financial, professional, or personal interest that might have influenced the performance or presentation of the work described in this manuscript.

Recommended Citation

Skuthan, A., Stav, W. B., McVey, G., Martinez, J., Hunter, M., Diroll, E., & Flanagan, M. (2026). An Occupation-Based Review of Assessments used in Pediatric Occupational Therapy Practice. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 14(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.2403