Objective Tests in Acute Care

I used the EFPT basically as a framework to identify where the pt. was having problems. Since it has structured scoring, it was easy to say where they were having a breakdown in executive functions to complete the tasks. I did not like that it wasn't standardized in any way, and essentially the scores mean nothing on their own. 

I am not AMPS certified. But the people who were in our hospital tried to avoid doing an AMPS unless specifically requested due to the extensive time they felt it required in preparation and write-up.

when I looked into the A-ONE the training was very rare and not in the US... unsure what they're currently offering. 

Supposedly they are working to update the KELS but i don't anticipate it being done next year since they were just collecting commentary last spring/summer and would have to test new items as well. 

Hope that helps!

Thankyou Cheryl for answering my questions, I have been wondering about these 3 tests this year. I think I will take another look at the EFPT and see if I can use it to help in my observations of how the patient performs tasks and where they need help approaching the task more effectively.

Kristina,

Two of my favorite assessments include The Cognitive Performance Test (CPT) and the Kohlman Evaluation of Living Skills (KELS).  Both are performance based assessments to determine the client's ability to function in multiple areas. Our facility utilizes the Functional Independence Measure to track pt progress but I am sure your acute setting/IRP utilizes this tool or a similar discipline free assessment tool.  

Here are links to summaries of each tool. 

CPT-  http://www.ot-innovations.com/content/view/22/46/

KELS- http://metaot.com/node/1085

I hope this helps. 

Kristen

I have never heard of the "MET." What does the acronym stand for and can you please describe the assessment a little? Thank you!

The MET stands for the Multiple Errands Test. This is a functional cognitive test set up so your patient has to read and follow instructions to complete a series of functional tasks in a "real life" environment (there is a community version and hosptial version). We use it in our hospital setting mostly with our "walkie/talkie" population. It really helps shed light onto a patients ability to function (or not!) with thier current deficits. There is some literature out there if you search for it. I have had patients pass the standard paper/pencil test but fail miserably with the MET. It is an eye opener for the family as well.    

This is one of the articles about the MET:

Ecological Validity of the Multiple Errands Test (MET) on Discharge from Neurorehabilitation Hospital

Adina Maeir; Shira Krauss; Noomi Katz

Thankyou very much for sharing this with us.

The Barthel Index has good scoring to help determine level of care and assistance.  It has a lot to do with what OTs do, however it can be addressed with assistance from family, nursing, and PT.

NOTE: This survey is closed. Feel free to contact Suzanne or Helene (emails below) if you have questions. Thank you for your participation!

Requesting willing participants to complete a 10 question survey about OT practice in the acute care setting to be completed by May 20.

Am interested in areas of greatest concern/needs identified by OTs new to the acute care setting.

This survey is directed towards OTs with less than 2 years experience in acute care, however we would appreciate ANY information from those OTs who are willing to participate.

Please cut and paste this link into your browser:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YL2RZ5S

Send any questions or concerns to:
Suzanne Holm, MA, OTR, BCPR
suzanneholm@creighton.edu

or

Helene Smith-Gabai, OTD, OTR/L, BCPR

hsgabai@gmail.com

Call my posting an extremely,extremely late response!

I just don't comprehend how the EFPT can be used in acute care. Most of my patients don't leave their rooms. Are you taking the patients with IV's,catheters,oxygen and contact isolation precautions down to the Out Patient kitchen to make oatmeal?

For a while the  the psychiatrists ordered to do competency assessments were insisting OT do  the Allen Cognitive Levels Test to get a "number" that indicates need for placement. I've used the ACL a few times but find the SLUMS Saint Louis University Mental Status Test much more practical. I just Google and download it as needed and take the test/score sheet bedside.

What bothers me about the ACL is how can it be  valid done in a non  standardized manner such as in bed or without up to date prescription glasses? How about with the non dominant hand?

Does anyone know a standardized clock face test? I find this test valuable not only for spatial relations but for how they execute the test. Is there a specific "time." On the Slums they have a  quarter sized circle to put in "10 minutes till eleven." I always make a large circle on the back of the page. For decades I would would draw a line halfway down the page  out of view then make a large  "seven o'clock" clock-face to fit in the space  top half . I would ask them to 1) read the time 2)draw a circle as big as mine.3) copy the clock numbers and hands for 7:00. I can't remember who taught me this test or did I just make up my own approach and use the same arbitrary time just to be consistent.