Evidence-Based Occupational Therapy and Basic Elements for Conducting Assessments

This chapter reports about evidence-based interventions and the underpinning methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions (OTIs). The content and the steps that compose evidence-based OTIs are described as well as the various methods for conducting quality assurance. Assessment instruments represent the prerequisites for conducting evaluations of intervention effectiveness. Therefore, their possible aims, psychometric functions, the process of collecting data, and interpreting the results are reported in broad terms. An overview of the various available methods, e.g., the Goal Attainment Scale for evaluating a single client’s progress when participating in therapeutic sessions, is presented. Statements for evaluation of OTIs and recommendations for future advances are suggested.