Client-centered assessment

Abstract

When occupational therapists assess function or occupational performance, they must consider each person's unique needs and abilities, as well as the environmental and social factors that may be affecting the clients' performance. Therefore, occupational therapists must use evaluation tools that are individualized and sensitive to the clients' varying needs and situations. One approach to individualized evaluation is the use of a client-centered process of setting goals and assessing change. This paper describes the development of a methodology for a client-centered assessment currently being used in Canada, the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). The conceptual model, administration and scoring procedures, and preliminary feedback to the COPM are described.