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Description

Background: This study aimed to obtain occupational therapists’ (OTs) experiences and perspectives on current evaluation tools who work with clients with sensory processing challenges in their clinical settings. Method: This research was a mixed-method study. Data was collected from surveys (n = 11) which had a mix of nominal, interval, close-ended, and open-ended questions. Following survey completion, participants were given the option to complete a semi-structured interview (n = 2) consisting of open-ended questions to clarify survey responses and gather additional information about their experiences. Results: The results indicated a high number of various barriers and limitations found in both the current sensory-based evaluation and assessment tools. In both qualitative and quantitative analysis, the evaluation setting had three major subthemes: time factor (100%), client factor (72.7%), and environmental factor (27.3%). Participants also revealed a lack of neurodiversity (81.8%), strength-based (27.3%), and normative criteria-based (72.7%) assessment tools in current clinical settings. High utilization of collaboration and support were also noted. Interprofessional team (54.6%) and mentor/supervisor (63.6%) would always connect and support their evaluation process, whereas caregivers (72.7%) would occasionally collaborate and be included (45.5%) within the evaluation process. Conclusion: Evaluating and assessing clients with sensory processing challenges is a complex process and does not fit inside a structured rigid medical model. OTs need high support to better assist their clients and caregivers.

Publication Date

Summer 2023

Publisher

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Keywords

Humans, Occupational therapist, Caregivers, Mentors, Time factors, Perception

Medical Subject Headings

Humans, Occupational therapist, Caregivers, Mentors, Time factors, Perception

Disciplines

Neurology | Occupational Therapy

Comments

Poster presented at the Summer 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium held online at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences on August 2-9, 2023

Occupational Therapists' Perceptions of Sensory Processing Evaluation Methods

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