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. The first study of the COSA determined that the items that made up the COSA’s two scales, competence and values, validly measured the intended constructs. The instrument was not as sensitive as desired and so a decision was made to modify the 3-point rating to a 4-point rating.

    Current investigation on the COSA seeks to validate the new 4-point rating, as well as validate that a new, optional card-sort administrative procedure for the assessment provides the same results as the paper and pencil self-report form. If you are interested in sharing clinical data or collaborating in research regarding the COSA, please contact Jessica Keller at: jkelle2@uic.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.

    Current research on the SCOPE 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. 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 or Jessica Keller at jkelle2@uic.edu .

Click the links below for more detailed information.

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 Chicago Illinois, 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.

Click the links below for more detailed information.

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 form 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 it's 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.

Click the link below for more detailed information.

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.

     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 and protocols detailed this will go through a research process.

     Examining Volition in Dementia This qualitative research project examines volition and its relationship to engagement in everyday occupations for 10 persons with moderate dementia residing in assisted living. The study will identify past life interests and activity patterns, describe currently observable indicators of volition, explore the impact of past interests and activity choice to current indicators of volition, and examine the relationship of expressed volition to current occupational engagement. Findings from the study will provide an in-depth description and analysis of volition in persons with moderate dementia, and contribute to improvements in person-centered dementia care.

    This research is being conducted by Christine Raber, M.S., OTR/L, Assistant Professor at the Department of Occupational Therapy, Shawnee State University, Portsmouth, OH. She is a doctoral candidate in Health Related Sciences at Virginia Commonwealth.