Parameters of OT assessment

We assess ADLs as OTs and after treatment or intervention, we compare progress to the initial information we obtain during initial assessment. We are very attuned to assessing independence level of the clients and we set goals generally based on this. Sometimes, an OT will come to a point where he/she cannot obtain outcome based on independence of the client.  So what other parameters should we be looking for and what other aspects do we need to assess apart from level of independence of the clients?  We tend to miss these other parameters and if you keep them in mind, your assessment will be more holistic and you will be able to Identify problems better which can aid in your goal setting.  The parameters of assessment has an acronym of VISA.

1. Value - Level of value or importance the task is to your client
2. Independence - this is self explanatory
3. Safety - How safe is the client while he/she engages in the desired occupation?
4 Adequacy or Quality - you probably have improved the quality of performance the client engages in

more detail can be read in Willard and Spackman