Module Code - Title:
OT6091
-
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY APPROACHES TO PROBLEMS IN HUMAN PERFORMANCE
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module is designed to introduce Occupational Therapy students to the principles, process and practice of Occupational Therapy assessment. It provides the foundation for occupation analysis and clinical reasoning within the domain and process of Occupational Therapy.
Syllabus:
The person, occupation and environment are all centralised in assessment within the occupational therapy practice process. The content and structure of this module are designed to enable students to develop skills in the assessment process. Students actively engage in developing and analysing occupations that are personally meaningful. Students will ultimately be able to complete systematic, client-centred assessments using standardised tests, outcome measures, assistive technologies and other therapeutic tools while adhering to national and international laws and policy.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will: 1. • Illustrate understanding of the concepts of validity and reliability of assessment tools and how these psychometric elements influence choice of assessment for clients.
• Explain evidence-based strategies for engaging in client-centred assessment within Occupational Therapy practice process.
• Develop knowledge of principles and practice of assessment and outcome measures in Occupational Therapy across a range of practice contexts and throughout the life course
• Argue for the benefits and risks of different modes of assessments in Occupational Therapy, including use of telehealth/remote assessment techniques.
• Explain how client-centred assessment aligns with international law including the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the UN Convention on the Rights of Children.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will..
• Demonstrate respect for individual and cultural differences in occupational choice during assessment.
• Critically reflect on the power dynamics embedded in the assessment process and value the experiential knowledge of clients and/or families within the assessment process.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students will.. • • Display an occupation analysis in-class using a recognised framework
• Review and refine client-centred assessment reports expected in professional practice.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Content of this module will be delivered via short lectures and podcasts (to be reviewed in advance of classroom sessions) to stimulate discussion. In class learning activities focus on current issues and debates related to occupational therapy assessment practices. Draw from recent peer reviewed publications, national policy and current healthcare practice in Ireland and abroad.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Duncan, E. (2011)
Foundations for Practice in Occupational Therapy, 5th Ed
, Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone
Hemphill-Pearson, B. (2008)
Assessments in Occupational Therapy Mental Health: An Integrative Approach, 2nd Ed
, Thorofare: Slack
Laver Fawcett, A. (2013)
Principles of Assessment and Outcome Measurement for Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists: Theory, Skills and Application
, West Sussex: John Wiley & Sons.
Law, M., Baum, C.M, and Dunn, W. (2005)
Measuring Occupational Performance, 2nd ed
, New Jersey: Slack
MacKenzie, L. and O'Toole, G. (2011)
Occupation Analysis in Practice
, Sussex: John Wiley & Sons
Other Relevant Texts:
Federici, S., Scherer, M (2012)
Assistive Technology Assessment Handbook
, Boca Raton: Taylor & Francis Group
Miller Kuhaneck, H., Spitzer, S., & Miller, E (2010)
Activity Analysis, Creativity and Playfulness in Pediatric Occupational Therapy: Making Play Just Right
, London: Jones & Bartlett
O'Brien, J.C. and Solomon, J.W. (2012)
Occupational Analysis and Group Process
, Elsevier
Thomas, H (2012)
Occupation based Activity Analysis
, Slack
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MSOCTHTFA - OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY (PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION)
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
pauline.boland@ul.ie