Generating Evidence for Practice

Child Occupational Self Assessment

The Child Occupational Self Assessment (COSA) provides pediatric clients of all abilities with the opportunity to share their perceptions of their own competence and their values related to everyday occupations. A series of quantitative and qualitative studies have built evidence for the validity of the COSA and its usefulness for practice. Click the links below for more detailed information on the most recent COSA research:

(Evidence brief 1)    (Evidence brief 2)    (Evidence brief 3)

If you are interested in collaborating in research regarding the COSA, please contact Jessica Kramer at: kramerj@bu.edu

Short Child Occupational Self Assessment (SCOPE)

The SCOPE is a pediatric version of the Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool (MOHOST), a tool developed by clinicians in the UK. The SCOPE was developed when pediatric clinicians in the Chicago area requested a screening tool like the MOHOST for use with younger clients. The SCOPE is a screening tool that uses MOHO constructs to assess occupational participation. The assessment covers the areas of volition, habituation, skills, and the environment.

If you are interested in sharing clinical data or collaborating in research regarding the SCOPE, please contact Dr. Patricia Bowyer at pbowyer@mail.twu.edu.

Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool (MOHOST)

Research on the Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool (MOHOST) is a joint collaboration between the MOHO Clearinghouse at the University of Illinois at Chicago, the United Kingdom Center for Outcomes Research and Education (UKCORE) and Derbyshire Mental Health Services NHS Trust. The MOHOST is a screening tool that uses MOHO constructs to assess occupational participation.

Current research seeks to validate the items on the assessment and the rating scale. In addition, consistency in rater judgment when using the assessment will be explored.

For more information: MOHOST Measurement Properties

Occupational Circumstances Assessment--Interview and rating Scale (OCAIRS)

The Occupational Circumstances Assessment Interview and Rating Scale (OCAIRS) psychometric properties have recently been investigated. The items on the rating scale were found to coalesce well to constitute a valid measure of occupation participation. Findings from the most recent study combined with practitioner feedback have led to some minor revisions in the items.

Current research is testing the validity of the new rating scale. The OCAIRS manual is also currently undergoing revisions to reflect these recent changes, as well as reflect three different interview formats developed for clients with physical dysfunction, with mental illness, and in forensic psychiatric residential settings.

Occupational Self Assessment (OSA)

The Occupational Self Assessment research is reaching its final stages of development! A series of three studies involving over 1000 subjects has resulted in refinement of the instrument. Paper and pencil keyforms are being developed that will allow therapists and clients to obtain true continuous client measures without the necessity of computer scoring. The results of this research are being prepared for publication.

For more information: Client Self-Report Measure

Interest Checklist

UK Center for Outcomes Research and Education (UKCORE) in collaboration with the State Hospital, Carstairs will be developing an updated version of the interest checklist. Consensus methodology, including Delphi studies and nominal group technique, will be used to collect data from both staff and client groups. This information will be developed into a new interest checklist. Statistical testing will then be carried out.

Group Structure

UK Center for Outcomes Research and Education (UKCORE) in collaboration with the State Hospital, Carstairs are developing an occupation focused, theory driven group structure. It will support the client through a process of exploration, competence and achievement. This grades the group process to allow for a feeling of momentum both within groups and transitioning between sets of groups as ability to engage in occupations improves. Transitions are made from the group program to integrate the clients into the community (of the hospital) as abilities to engage in doing everyday activities improve. Once established, protocols detailing this will go through a research process.

Examining Volition in Dementia

A qualitative research project examined volition and its relationship to engagement in everyday occupations for 8 persons with moderate dementia residing in assisted living. The study identified past life interests and activity patterns, described currently observable indicators of volition, explored the impact of past interests and activity choice to current indicators of volition, and examined the relationship of expressed volition to current occupational engagement. Findings from the study provide an in-depth description and analysis of volition in persons with moderate dementia, highlighting the potency of the social environment for this population. Continued research in this area may contribute to improvements in person-centered dementia care.

This research was conducted by Christine Raber, PhD, OTR/L, Associate Professor, in the Department of Occupational Therapy, Shawnee State University, Portsmouth, Ohio, and is being continued with student research teams in the department.

For more information please contact Dr. Christine Raber at craber@shawnee.edu