Assessment tools of occupational therapy for children and adolescents in Brazil: a literature review

Abstract

Introduction

There is a growing interest in the use of methods to assess the effectiveness of practices developed by occupational therapists, however, when it comes to specific assessment tools of occupational therapy, although the use of it is seen as positive and advantageous, they seem to be little used and widespread in Brazil.

Objective

This study aimed to identify and analyze original studies developed in the Brazilian territory that used systematic assessment tools created by occupational therapists for children and adolescents.

Method

This is a systematic literature review research, with the searches being carried out in the databases: PubMed, Scopus, Scielo, Virtual Health Library (VHL) and in the journals: Brazilian Journal of Occupational Therapy, Revista de Terapia Ocupacional da Universidade de São Paulo, Revista Interinstitucional Brasileira de Terapia Ocupacional and Revista Baiana de Terapia Ocupacional, meeting the selection criteria adopted.

Results

37 studies were included, containing 15 instruments created by occupational therapists to assess children and adolescents. Four categories of instruments emerged from the analysis of the results, namely: functional performance; occupational participation and performance; playful behavior, and sensory activity. Most of the assessment tools presented good evidence of psychometric adequacy in the Brazilian context, although some still need further investigation.

Conclusion

Because of the assessment tools and their main characteristics presented in this study, it was possible to apprehend a diverse panorama, which could enhance the caring processes in childhood and adolescence in the field of Occupational Therapy. There is a recommendation for future studies to investigate reliable assessment tools to compose the national scientific production.

Keywords:
Systematic Review; Psychometrics; Human Development