An occupational therapy evaluation is a test given by an occupational therapist in an effort to determine how an illness, disability, or injury is affecting a patient’s ability to work, play, or care for himself. These evaluations are used to assess many different skills, including visual perception or tracking. The occupational therapist is also evaluating strength, range of motion and balance.
Preparing for this evaluation is relatively simple. Arrive on time to the evaluation location to ensure the therapist can complete the evaluation in a timely manner. Wear loose fitting clothing for comfort and ease of movement. The therapist may ask to see certain body parts while they are in motion. There is usually no need to limit food or drink intake before the evaluation, and the patient can remain active right up until the evaluation is performed.
During the occupational therapy evaluation, the therapist will ask the patient to perform a variety of movements and assume several positions. These movements and positions are based on those that would be performed in the patient’s normal routine at work or at home. For example, the therapist may ask the patient to sit in a position that mimics driving or to move as if he is reaching for something on a high shelf.
Some tests may be done in the course of an occupational therapy evaluation. How the patient approaches and completes specific developmental tasks may be tested with the Functional Neuro-Assessment test. The Visual Motor Inventory (VMI) looks for difficulties that the patient may have coordinating finger and hand movements. The Wide Range Assessment of Visual Motor Abilities tests the patient’s combination of visual motor and perceptual development. Standardized occupational therapy tests can be done during the evaluation but the therapist may also veer off from these tests.
Although an occupational therapy evaluation may be done on patients of any age, a large percentage is done on children. Occupational therapy is often recommended for children with developmental delays, and an occupation therapy evaluation is the first step. Through occupational therapy, the child can increase endurance, strength, or range of motion. Other skills that can be improved are fine motor skills or hand-eye coordination. Even social skills may be improved through occupational therapy.