Examining the construct validity of the Cognitive Competency Test for occupational therapy practice.

BACKGROUND: Enhancing occupational therapy practice requires critical examination of assessment tools and the conclusions being drawn from their use. When working with cognitively impaired older individuals, judgments about occupational competence are often informed by an assessment of cognitive competence. PURPOSE: The Cognitive Competency Test (CCT) is a frequently used measure in Canada to inform predictions of occupational competence. However, there is an absence of published evidence that addresses its validity. METHODS: To appraise validity of the CCT, a retrospective chart review (n = 107) of CCT reports for inpatient and outpatient clients with cognitive impairment was conducted. Data were subjected to exploratory factor analyses to examine the factor structure, and the measure was compared with commonly used clinical variables reflecting cognitive and occupational competence. FINDINGS: Results suggest that the CCT measures a unitary construct and provide some support for its predictive capacity. IMPLICATIONS: CCT scores can add incremental validity to cognitive screens, such as the Mini Mental State Exam, when evaluating occupational competence.

Components of cognitive competence predictive of occupational competence in persons with dementia: a Delphi study.

BACKGROUND: Within the area of dementia care, occupational therapists are asked to predict occupational competence in everyday living and often do so by assessing cognitive competence. Considering the cognitive changes that occur with dementia over time, the construct of cognitive competence is a key consideration. Still, a gap exists in the literature examining the relationship between cognitive competence and occupational competence. PURPOSE: This study developed a consensus among participating Canadian occupational therapists regarding the components of cognitive competence they considered essential to predict occupational competence in people with dementia. METHOD: A three-round Delphi study was completed with English- and French-speaking occupational therapists (n = 127; 116; 125) experienced in dementia care. FINDINGS: Ten cognitive components were identified as essential to predict occupational competence in individuals with dementia. IMPLICATIONS: The 10 identified components provide direction for assessment practices and education in dementia care and for development of measurement tools.