Validity, responsiveness, and perceptions of clinical utility of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure when used in a sub-acute setting

Abstract

Purpose: The validity, responsiveness, and clinical utility of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure was investigated when used in a sub-acute setting.Materials and Methods: Fifty older adults (mean age 78.2 years, Standard Deviation = 7.2; 64% female) completed the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Functional Independence Measure and the Short-Form 36 Health Questionnaire. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure was correlated with the Functional Independence Measure and Short-Form 36 Health Questionnaire and the admission and discharge Canadian Occupational Performance Measure Performance and Satisfaction scores were compared for significant differences. Qualitative interviews with were completed with six older adults and six occupational therapists to explore the utility of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure.Results: The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure Satisfaction scale was significantly associated with the Functional Independence Measure and Short-Form 36 Health Questionnaire. Significant differences were found between the admission and discharge Canadian Occupational Performance Measure Performance and Satisfaction scale scores. From both the clients’ and therapists’ perspectives, four key qualitative themes emerged: (1) “Likes” about the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure; (2) Effects on practice; (3) Utility; and (4) Future use.Conclusions: This study provides evidence of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure’s validity, responsiveness and clinical utility when used in a sub-acute setting.Implications for rehabilitationThe Canadian Occupational Performance Measure appears able to effectively evaluate the outcomes of occupational therapy interventions, including in sub-acute rehabilitation settings. It is an individualized outcome measure where clients are responsible for measuring their own progress and meaningful outcomes from therapy.Evidence of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure’s convergent validity, predictive validity and responsiveness to change was found which contributes to the body of knowledge of its psychometric properties.From a qualitative perspective, the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure was found to improve clinical decision making, facilitating client engagement, formulating clear treatment goals and making therapy more meaningful for clients.