Principles of Occupational Therapy Group Outcome Assessment in Mental Health |
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| Authors: | Sharan L. Schwartzberg Scott A. Trudeau Vanessa Vega |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Occupational Therapy , Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, School of Medicine, Tufts University , Medford , Massachusetts sharan.schwartzberg@tufts.edu;3. Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Bedford Veterans Administration Medical Center , Bedford , Massachusetts;4. Department of Occupational Therapy , Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Tufts University , Medford , Massachusetts;5. Public Health and Professional Degree Programs, School of Medicine , Tufts University , Boston , Massachusetts |
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| Abstract: | In today's penurious health care climate, occupational therapists must scrutinize their practice and substantiate their interventions in order to remain viable service providers. This article proposes a method of occupational therapy outcomes assessment in mental health care that is rooted in client-centered functional outcomes. Since little consensus exists on which instruments are most effective, this article begins with an outline of broadly accepted principles for assessment of patient outcomes in mental health. Next, we describe a practical method for selecting outcomes measures in interdisciplinary settings. Finally, we offer pragmatic solutions to address barriers to outcome assessment. |
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| Keywords: | mental health interdisciplinary health team outcome assessment occupational therapy |
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