Evaluation of standardized assessments used in Occupational Therapy for children with Cerebral Palsy in South Africa

Abstract

This study examines the standardized assessments employed by occupational therapists in South Africa when working with children diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP). Participants were given the option to participate in an online survey distributed by RuRe SA, SANDTA, and OTASA. The majority of OTs surveyed operates in urban areas, with less than 11 years of experience working with CP children, predominantly in private practice and LSEN schools. Analysis of the survey data reveals a preference for visual perceptual standardized assessments over functional and hand function assessments. Despite awareness of available standardized assessments, their utilization is hindered by various factors including accessibility, appropriateness, practicality and acceptable (clinical utility). Commonly cited barriers to implementation include the cost, not appropriate for clinical settings, and time- consuming nature of these assessments. However, positive aspects such as ease of implementation, result interpretation, identification of CP children's strengths and weaknesses and identify skills CP children have were also acknowledged. These findings highlight the need for the development of cost-effective, contextually appropriate standardized assessments tailored to the needs of the CP population in South Africa.