Question

An OTR and COTA are collaborating in order to evaluate a patient who was recently admitted to a post-acute rehab facility d/t an excaberation of MS. Which task is the COTA able to complete as part of the process of collecting information for the evaluation?

A.) Assessing the pt's pattern of occupational performance via informal interview
B.) Administer a standardized test to determine the pt's cognitive function
C.) Interpret results of the SHAH Barthel Index
D). Analyze the finding of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure

Answer 1

A Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) can assist in assessing a patient's occupational performance via an informal interview and may administer standardized tests if trained and competent, but interpretation of complex assessments is usually the responsibility of an Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR).

Step-by-step explanation:

In the scenario presented, an Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) and a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) are collaborating to evaluate a patient with an exacerbation of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in a post-acute rehabilitation facility. Regarding the tasks a COTA can complete as part of the evaluation process, a COTA is able to perform the following:

• Assessing the patient's pattern of occupational performance via an informal interview.
• Administer a standardized test to determine the patient's cognitive function, provided they have been trained and are competent to do so.
• Collecting objective data that an OTR can later interpret.

While a COTA can assist in the administration and scoring of standardized tests like the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, the interpretation of complex assessments and final clinical decisions are typically reserved for the OTR.

It is essential to follow the specific regulations and policies of the practice setting and professional licensure guidelines that delineate the roles and responsibilities of OTRs and COTAs in the evaluation process.