Occupation-Based Kits and the Action Research Arm Test: Promoting and Measuring Functional Reach in an Inpatient Rehabilitation Setting

Abstract

Occupational therapists and management working in an acute inpatient rehabilitation unit located in a midwestern hospital were seeking evidence-based and site-centered information to inform their assessment and treatment methods. The capstone student conducted a thorough needs assessment as well as an in-depth review of the literature to identify current best practices. The student then developed and disseminated two evidence-based and site-centered resources to inform the unit’s implementation of the Action Research Arm Test and occupation-based kits. Occupational therapists were provided in depth information and training on administration of the Action Research Arm Test, an outcome measure to assess upper extremity function in individuals with a neurological diagnosis. In addition, the unit was provided in-depth resources with site specific information to implement meaningful, occupation-based care into treatment via the creation of occupation-based kits. Occupational therapists and management reported that the resources created addressed the needs and goals of patients and practitioners on the unit, were thorough, and provided sufficient information to implement these tools into the unit’s assessment and treatment methods. To address sustainability, physical copies of the resources were printed, laminated, and stored in accessible locations within the unit along with electronic copies being uploaded to the hospital’s shared document folder. The unit plans to continue to utilize the Action Research Arm Test outcome measure with appropriate patients and will begin to purchase additional resources to assemble the occupational kits to encourage occupation-based care.