Approaches to Screening and Assessment in Gerontological Occupational Therapy

In this chapter, we identify the methods, challenges, and uses of assessment in gerontological occupational therapy (OT). We provide criteria to aid the clinician/practitioner in the selection of assessments for their clients. A case study is presented to illuminate the decision-making process for the selection of assessments across the continuum of OT services. The chapter defines the standards and criteria for determining assessments that suit quality assessment and performance improvement within a client-centered care model. Suggestions are made to help the clinician/practitioner select assessments relative to the availability of standardized and non-standardized instruments, determination of reliability and validity, and suitability for client samples across care levels and occupational status as these may change across disease trajectories.