Use of Standardised Tests in Paediatrics: The Practice of Private Occupational Therapists Working in the United Kingdom

Abstract

This study is part of a larger research investigating the assessment methods used by occupational therapists working with children in independent practice in the United Kingdom. The focus of this paper is on the use of standardised tests. The research design was a cross-sectional descriptive survey, using a postal questionnaire as the data collection tool.Out of 89 questionnaires sent, 66 (74%) were returned and 48 (54%) were deemed eligible. The findings demonstrated that 34 (71%) of the 48 respondents used standardised tests. The most common tests used regularly were the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (79%) and the Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (74%). Standardised tests were used mainly to measure outcomes. The main reason that the participants did not use standardised tests or used them cautiously was the lack of suitable tests for the client.Most of the study's findings were consistent with those of previous studies. The limited use of occupation-centred standardised tests and the necessity of critiquing standardised tests, especially when used as outcome measures, are discussed. It is suggested that further research on whether the standardised tests contribute to or do not contribute to an occupation-centred practice would be of great value.