Contributing to the improvement of the dynamic aspect of the Structured Observational Test of Function (SOTOF)

Background The Structured Observational Test of Function (SOTOF; Laver and Powell, 1995) is an observational assessment of self-care and neurological function for older people. It comprises a standardised test and a dynamic... [ view full abstract ]

Background
The Structured Observational Test of Function (SOTOF; Laver and Powell, 1995) is an observational assessment of self-care and neurological function for older people. It comprises a standardised test and a dynamic assessment. This study aims to contribute to the improvement of the dynamic assessment aspect of the SOTOF. The study is being undertaken by an occupational therapy student for a third year project.

Method
The first stage of a content validity test-development design has been implemented. The study involved three literature searches related to: 1) dynamic assessment within occupational therapy, with a specific focus on neurology; 2) scaffolding, grading, cueing and prompts used by occupational therapists; 3) occupational therapy dynamic assessments identified from the first search. Literature from primary research, textbooks and test manuals has been included. A critical and narrative analysis has identified and evaluated approaches to dynamic assessment and compared these to the SOTOF’s dynamic elements.

Results
The findings are informing changes and additions to the SOTOF test items, record form, instruction cards and test manual.

Conclusion
A graduated prompt method has been developed and examples are written for each SOTOF test item.

Application to practice
Given the advances in dynamic assessment and the appreciation of the value of dynamic assessment for occupational therapy practice since the SOTOF was first developed, this project will update the SOTOF, to provide a more detailed dynamic assessment for adult clients with neurological impairment.

References
Laver AJ and Powell GE (1995) The Structured Observational Test of Function (SOTOF). Windsor: NFER-Nelson.