Background: Assessing occupational performance is commonly done by occupational therapists [OTs] working in special housing in municipal elder care. Assessments should be relevant and evidence-based. Even so, we know little about how assessment of occupational performance is conducted in special housing.
Aim: The aim of this study was to identify OTs' use and perceptions of different methods to assess occupational performance for elderly clients living in special housing.
Method: An email questionnaire was sent to OTs working in special housing in Sweden. Data was analyzed using descriptive and parametric statistics.
Results: The findings, based on data from 660 respondents, showed that OTs regularly assessed occupational performance but did not use standardized assessment instruments or structured methods to any great extent. In general, OTs reported that they were not pleased with their ability to assess their clients; however, OTs with higher education and with responsibility for fewer clients were more pleased with their assessments and stated that they had more knowledge about assessment methods.
Conclusions: To support OTs in using structured assessments of occupational performance in everyday practice, organization as well as structures in the work environment and educational development need to be taken into consideration.
Keywords: Activities of daily living; assisted living; elderly; evidence-based practice; occupational therapy.