Measuring quality of occupational performance based on self-report and observation

When people with rheumatic diseases are referred for occupational therapy, the therapist evaluates the person's perceived and observed quality of ADL task performance to clarify the nature and extent of the problems, plan interventions and determine effectiveness of interventions. This require the use of linear measures. The aim was to develop and validate linear measures of perceived and observed quality of ADL task performance.
Methods: To obtain linear measures of perceived quality of ADL task performance, women with rheumatic diseases reported their ability on two new tools, the ADL-Questionnaire (ADL-Q) and the ADL-Interview (ADL-I). Furthermore, linear measures of observed quality of ADL task performance, based on the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) data were validated in women with chronic widespread pain (CWP). Finally, the relationship between linear measures of observed and perceived ADL ability was examined in women with rheumatic diseases.

Results: Based on Rasch analyses, it was possible to obtain linear measures of perceived quality of ADL task performance based on the ADL-Q and ADL-I. Moreover, it was possible to establish further evidence of validity of observation-based measures of the AMPS. Finally, low to moderate correlations were found between measures of perceived and observed quality of ADL task performance.