Pediatric Assessments: A Survey of Their Use by Occupational Therapists in Northwestern School Systems

Abstract

Occupational therapists employed in school systems in five northwestern states (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington) were surveyed. Of the 338 surveys sent, 293 were returned (86.7% response rate). Results pertaining to three clinical and educational issues are discussed. The issues were (a) Which developmental evaluations are currently used in clinical practice by northwestern occupational therapists working in the school system? (b) Which evaluations do practicing occupational therapists expect students to be familiar with when entering a pediatric Level II fieldwork placement? and (c) Which evaluations do practicing occupational therapists expect students to administer competently when exiting a Level II fieldwork placement? Fourteen developmental evaluations were judged to be most relevant to pediatric practice in northwestern school systems.