Content area
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MeSH TERMS
* guideline adherence
* occupational therapy
* outcome assessment (health care)
* sensation
This article presents the current state of measurement in the area of sensory integration within the field of occupational therapy in three areas: (1) phenotypic characterization, (2) intervention adherence and dosage, and (3) outcome measurement. The need for additional measurement tools in all three areas is addressed. In regard to outcome measurement of occupational therapy using sensory integration, the use of both qualitative and quantitative methods to obtain outcome data is recommended. Further, a strategy is recommended for obtaining outcome data from direct report from the child or other stakeholder.
Schaaf, R. C., Burke, J. P., Cohn, E., May-Benson, T. A., Schoen, S. A., Roley, S. S., ...Mailloux, Z.(2014).The IssueIs- State of measurement in occupational therapy using sensory integration. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, e149-e153. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.012526
Sensory integration includes perception, modulation, and integration of sensory information as a foundation for participation in activities across social, physical, learning, and daily living tasks (Ayres, 1972). Ayres (1979) proposed a conceptual model of sensory integration that illustrated this process and created assessment instruments to ensure that practitioners could assess the concepts and constructs in a reliable and valid way to inform treatment. These instruments include sensory questionnaires, observational tools, and standardized tests such as the Southern California Sensory Integration Tests (Ayres, 1977) and the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT; Ayres, 1989). Accordingly, the sensory integrative approach encompasses use of assessments that measure specific sensory and motor performance areas that may be related to sensory integrative functions, intervention that is guided by specific principles, and documentation of sensitive, meaningful outcomes.
Building on Ayres' work, scholars and researchers have continued to expand the knowledge base on sensory integration within occupational therapy. They have provided a rich understanding and further explanation of the theory (Bundy, Lane, & Murray, 2002; Parham & Mailloux, 2010; Smith Roley, Blanche, & Schaaf, 2001) and explication of intervention principles (May-Benson et al., 2014; Parham, Cohn, et al., 2007; Parham et al., 2011; Schaaf & Mailloux, in press). Further, they have developed new assessment tools to measure aspects of sensory integration functions (Dunn, 1999; May-Benson & Koomar, 2007; Parham, Ecker, Miller Kuhaneck, Henry, & Glennon, 2007), including praxis (Ivey,...