Why outcomes and measurement matter more than ever for occupational therapy

In occupational therapy, there is a call for clinicians to use client/patient-centered outcome data routinely at the point of care to help tailor treatment plans to meet the client/patient’s preference and needs. Given that many decisions in occupational therapy are constructed from client/patients’ narratives, it is critical that the conceptual, empirical, and measurement structure underlying patient reported outcome measures is robust and client/patient-centered. This webinar will present methods for the systematic accruement of client/patient-centered data in occupational therapy to meaningfully enhance the treatment of Canadians with chronic health conditions. As well, the webinar will outline ways to use data to ensure occupational therapists are accountable to the needs prioritized by clients/patients.

1. Describe the role of health assessment and metrology in occupational therapy.
2. Identify three core outcomes that all occupational therapists can target and measure.
3. Outline an approach way for choosing client/patient-centered outcome measures for systematic evaluation of occupational therapy services.