[Systematic review of the primary care quality assessment instruments used in the last 10 years]. / Revisión sistemática de los instrumentos de evaluación de la calidad de Atención Primaria utilizados en los últimos 10 años.

OBJECTIVE: There are numerous instruments in the scientific literature for the evaluation of the quality of Primary Care (PC) and to know which of them are the most used and in which countries provides more information to make a well-founded decision. The aim is to determine which, between 2013 and 2023, have been the instruments used to assess the international quality of PC, its evolution and geographical distribution. DESIGN: Systematic review. DATA SOURCES: PubMed and Embase. From March to December 2023. INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1) Validation studies of specific assessment instruments to measure the quality of PC and/or the satisfaction of patients, providers or managers. 2) carried out in the field of PC and 3) published between 1/01/2013 and 01/02/2023. 83 full-text articles were included. DATA EXTRACTION: From each publication, an instrument used to evaluate the quality of the PC, attributes of the PC it evaluates, recipient of the evaluation, user, provider or manager, year, and country. RESULTS: Fifteen PC assessment instruments were found. The most widely used is the Primary Care Assessing Tool (PCAT), with wide geographical distribution, versions in several languages, is more limited in Europe, except in Spain, and is mostly used in the Primary Care Assessing Tool (PCAT). CONCLUSIONS: The PCAT, due to its cultural adaptability, availability in several languages, its ability to evaluate the fundamental principles of PC enunciated by the World Health Organization and to contemplate the perspectives of all health agents, is a complete, versatile, and consistent questionnaire for the evaluation of the quality of PC.

A Critical Review of Breastfeeding Instruments Derived From Self-Determination Theory.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the motivational factors that influence breastfeeding behavior is critical for addressing suboptimal breastfeeding outcomes. Self-determination theory has been used as a framework to understand these factors. RESEARCH AIM: The aim of this article is to identify and critically review breastfeeding instruments derived from self-determination theory and their subsequent uses in the literature. METHOD: This critical review was guided by Grant and Booth's typological description. Eligibility criteria included full-text, peer-reviewed original instrument development and validation articles, written in the English language without limitation to specific years. Articles describing the use of the eligible instruments were also included. There were 164 articles identified initially, and four instruments were included in the final sample. Finally, five articles, including subsequent uses of the instruments were critically analyzed and an overview, assessment of validation, and analysis of subsequent use of each instrument is presented. RESULTS: All instruments examine the degree of autonomy underlying breastfeeding motivation. The extent and quality of validation varied. Two instruments have been used in subsequent studies; one was adapted and translated into Turkish and used in three other studies, and another was used in full in one subsequent use and in part in another study. Three of four were initially developed for prenatal administration. CONCLUSIONS: Instruments derived from self-determination theory hold promise in exploring the autonomy underlying breastfeeding motivations. Researchers who wish to use or adapt these instruments should consider the instruments' domains, validity, and administration. New measures are needed to explore other constructs from self-determination theory related to breastfeeding.

Let's get aligned! Developing a core outcome set for clinical trials in eating disorders.

OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to review the outcome measures/assessment instruments used and to assess their heterogeneity/homogeneity in eating disorders (EDs) randomised controlled trials. METHODS: APA PsycInfo, PubMed, and Embase were searched in December 2022 to identify studies published between and inclusive of January 2012 and December 2022. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were: (1) complete articles published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, which were: (2) randomised trials, (3) in a clinical setting (4) with human subjects, (5) with an ICD or DSM diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, or Bulimia Nervosa. The selected papers also: (6) used one or more standardised instruments designed to measure one or more psychometric characteristics associated with ED as a primary or secondary outcome, as judged by the authors of this systematic review, and (7) were published in English or Danish. RESULTS: Ninety one articles were included, and a total of 196 outcome measures were collected. DISCUSSION: The diversity of outcome measures in ED trials hampers result comparability and data integration. We suggest creating a core outcome measure set using the Delphi method, including clinician and patient-reported ED assessments, along with relevant comorbidity scales.

An innovative assessment tool for evaluating narrative feedback quality among Medicine and Biomedical Sciences students.

Objectives: To develop a reliable instrument to objectively assess feedback quality, to use it for assessment of the quality of students' narrative feedback and to be used as a self-assessment instrument for students in their learning process. Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, 635 feedback narratives, provided by small groups of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences undergraduate students, have been extracted from available quarterly curriculum evaluation surveys. A rubric was developed based on literature and contents of our feedback education. It consists of seven subitems and has a maximum score of 20 points (sufficient score: >10 points). Rubric reliability was evaluated using intra-class correlation. The rubric was tested by analysing the feedback narratives. To test progression, we compared rubric scores between study years with a Kruskal-Wallis analysis and Dunn's post-hoc testing with Bonferroni correction. Results: The rubric has an intra-class correlation of 0.894. First year students had a mean rubric score of 11.5 points (SD 3.6), second year students 12.4 (SD 3.4) and third year students 13.1 (SD 3.6). Kruskal-Wallis testing showed significant differences in feedback quality between study years (χ2(2, N=635) = 17.53, p<0.001). Dunn's post-hoc test revealed significant differences between study years one and two (p=0.012) and one and three (p<0.001). Conclusions: The developed rubric is a reliable instrument to assess narrative feedback quality. Students were able to provide feedback of sufficient quality and quality improved across study years. The instrument will allow students to assess themselves and learn where there is still room for improvement.

Differences in the absolute muscle strength and power of children and adolescents with overweight or obesity: a systematic review.

This study aimed to describe absolute muscle strength and power in children and adolescents with obesity, overweight and normal weight, and the assessment tests and tools used. We retrieved observational studies from MEDLINE (PubMed), TripDataBase, Epistemonikos, EBSCO essentials, NICE, SCOPUS, and LILACs up to February 2023. In addition, we recovered data from studies with at least three comparison groups (obesity, overweight, normal weight) and with a description of the absolute muscle strength and power and the assessment tests and instruments used. The methodologic quality of the studies was assessed with the Joanna Briggs checklist, and the review was carried out using the PRISMA 2020 methodology. Eleven studies with 13,451 participants from 6 to 18 years of age were once included, finding that the absolute muscle strength of their upper extremities was greater when they were overweight or obese; however, in the same groups, absolute muscle strength was lower when they carried their body weight. In addition, lower limb absolute muscle strength was significantly lower in obese participants than in normal weight, regardless of age and gender. The most used tools to measure the absolute muscle strength of the upper limbs were the grip dynamometers and push-up exercises. In contrast, different jump tests were used to measure the power of the lower limbs. There are great differences in muscle strength and power between overweight or obese children and adolescents and those with normal weight. Therefore, it is recommended to use validated tests, preferably that assess strength through the load of the patient's body weight, either of the upper or lower limbs, for greater evaluation objectivity that facilitates the management of these children and adolescents.

Forensic assessment instruments: Their reliability and applicability to criminal forensic issues.

Forensic evaluations have advanced considerably with the development of specialized measures validated on forensic and correctional samples. Prior to this progress, such evaluations relied heavily on extrapolations from general psychological tests to crucial, legally relevant questions. Since then, decades of empirical work have produced forensic assessment instruments (FAIs) addressing psycholegal standards in addition to forensically relevant instruments (FRIs) examining issues central to forensic practice (e.g., malingering) but not the standards themselves. This article provides a critical examination of the development, validation, and modern applications of six published FAIs that each address one of three broad criminal forensic issues (i.e., insanity, competency to stand trial, and Miranda abilities and waivers). Evaluations of the measures' reliability and validity particularly in forensic samples are highlighted. To complement FAIs, FRIs related to response styles are briefly explored. As a primary goal, forensic practitioners are provided with the knowledge and background about FAIs to enhance their criminal forensic practices.

Availability and quality of assessment instruments on patient-centredness in older adults with multimorbidity: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Patient-centredness (PC) is central to the health care of older adults with multimorbidity, but knowledge about the psychometric quality of instruments measuring it in this group is scarce. Based on an integrative model of PC, we aimed to identify assessment instruments of PC for this particular group and evaluate their psychometric properties. METHODS: We systematically searched six electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science and PSYNDEX), initially covering research published up to 2018 and updated later to include work up to July 2022. In evaluating the psychometric properties of identified instruments, we followed the COSMIN methodology. RESULTS: We identified 12 studies reporting on 10 instruments measuring PC in the health care of older adults with multimorbidity. For these instruments, structural validity and internal consistency were the psychometric properties reported most often. Based on the COSMIN criteria, eight instruments received favourable ratings for internal consistency with respect to methodological quality ('very good'), measurement property ('sufficient') and overall quality of evidence ('moderate'). Ratings of structural validity varied more largely, with three to seven instruments showing at least adequate methodological quality, sufficient structural validity or moderate quality of evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Similar to comparable previous reviews, evidence on the psychometric properties of instruments assessing PC in the health care of older adults with multimorbidity was rather limited. Informed by comprehensive models of PC, further research should aim at developing measures of PC that stand out on a broader range of psychometric properties.

European Psychiatric Association guidance on assessment of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: Impairment in a wide range of cognitive abilities has been consistently reported in individuals with schizophrenia. Both neurocognitive and social cognitive deficits are thought to underlie severe functional disabilities associated with schizophrenia. Despite the key role in schizophrenia outcome, cognition is still poorly assessed in both research and clinical settings. METHODS: In this guidance paper, we provide a systematic review of the scientific literature and elaborate several recommendations for the assessment of cognitive functions in schizophrenia both in research settings and in real-world clinical practice. RESULTS: Expert consensus and systematic reviews provided guidance for the optimal assessment of cognitive functions in schizophrenia. Based on the reviewed evidence, we recommend a comprehensive and systematic assessment of neurocognitive and social cognitive domains in schizophrenia, in all phases of the disorder, as well as in subjects at risk to develop psychosis. This European Psychiatric Association guidance recommends not only the use of observer reports but also self-reports and interview-based cognitive assessment tools. The guidance also provides a systematic review of the state of the art of assessment in the first episode of psychosis patients and in individuals at risk for psychosis. CONCLUSION: The comprehensive review of the evidence and the recommendations might contribute to advance the field, allowing a better cognitive assessment, and avoiding overlaps with other psychopathological dimensions. The dissemination of this guidance paper may promote the development of shared guidelines concerning the assessment of cognitive functions in schizophrenia, with the purpose to improve the quality of care and to obtain recovery.

A Systematic Review of the Validity and Reliability of Assessment Tools for Executive Function and Adaptive Function Following Brain Pathology among Children and Adolescents in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Minimal but increasing number of assessment instruments for Executive functions (EFs) and adaptive functioning (AF) have either been developed for or adapted and validated for use among children in low and middle income countries (LAMICs). However, the suitability of these tools for this context is unclear. A systematic review of such instruments was thus undertaken. The Systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist (Liberati et al., in BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.), 339, 2009). A search was made for primary research papers reporting psychometric properties for development or adaptation of either EF or AF tools among children in LAMICs, with no date or language restrictions. 14 bibliographic databases were searched, including grey literature. Risk of bias assessment was done following the COSMIN (COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstruments) guidelines (Mokkink et al., in Quality of Life Research, 63, 32, 2014). For EF, the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF- multiple versions), Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), Go/No-go and the Rey-Osterrieth complex figure (ROCF) were the most rigorously validated. For AFs, the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (VABS- multiple versions) and the Child Function Impairment Rating Scale (CFIRS- first edition) were most validated. Most of these tools showed adequate internal consistency and structural validity. However, none of these tools showed acceptable quality of evidence for sufficient psychometric properties across all the measured domains, particularly so for content validity and cross-cultural validity in LAMICs. There is a great need for adequate adaptation of the most popular EF and AF instruments, or alternatively the development of purpose-made instruments for assessing children in LAMICs.Systematic Review Registration numbers: CRD42020202190 (EF tools systematic review) and CRD42020203968 (AF tools systematic review) registered on PROSPERO website ( https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ ).

The use of medication adherence guidelines in medication taking behaviour research.

Medication nonadherence continues to be a serious issue in a range of long-term medical conditions and has been studied extensively over the past few decades. However, despite the plethora of research studies on medication adherence, poor methodological rigour in many studies has contributed to limited generalisability of the positive findings, limited impact on patients' medication adherence, and inability to compare between studies. This paper focuses on current guidelines designed specifically for research on medication adherence. It discusses key elements to consider during study design, selection of adherence measurements, and reporting on medication adherence research, to ensure a higher quality of research in medication adherence. Overall, there appears to be variations in adherence terminology reported in the literature despite improvements in defining medication taking behaviour and the availability of taxonomies. In addition, limited guidance exists on how best to measure adherence. Recommendations are provided on appropriate adherence measures for the adherence behaviour being investigated, including careful consideration of adherence concepts, validity of adherence instruments, appropriate instrument selection, definition of nonadherence threshold, and how to report medication adherence. Improving adherence research requires greater clarity and standardisation of descriptions of nonadherence behaviour, increased methodological rigour in study designs, better selection of adherence measurements, and comprehensive reporting.

The Testamentary Capacity Assessment Tool (TCAT): validation and normative data.

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing need for objective and standardized assessment of testamentary capacity (TC) in dementia. A new instrument, the Testamentary Capacity Assessment Tool (TCAT), has been recently developed; however, the lack of validation and normative data regarding this cognitive screening test has limited its adoption in forensic and clinical settings. The present study collects normative data for the TCAT and assesses its convergent validity with standardized cognitive tests and the capacity to define what a 'testament' is. METHODS: The study involved 323 neurologically healthy adults (123 males, 200 females) of different ages (31-93 years) and different educational levels (4-25 years). The TCAT was administered along with the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) and the Testament Definition Scale (TDS). RESULTS: Multiple regression analyses revealed a significant effect for gender, age and education on TCAT scores. Correlation analyses showed significant associations between the TCAT and the MMSE, MoCA, FAB and BDI-II. A positive correlation between the TCAT and TDS was also found, proving good convergent validity of the TCAT with respect to TC. Finally, cut-off scores and Equivalent Scores (ES) were computed. DISCUSSION: The present study provides normative data for using the TCAT as an adjuvant cognitive screening test in the neuropsychological evaluation of TC. Our findings shall be of interest for the adoption of the TCAT also in clinical practice, since it evaluates cognitive functions (e.g., autobiographic memory, Theory of Mind) not measured by traditional screening tests.

Inventory of assessment practices in people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities in three European countries.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge about the quality of assessment methods used in the support of people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) is scarce. This study aimed to provide an overview of the assessment methods used in practice and to examine whether these instruments were studied for their psychometric properties for people with PIMD. METHOD: Professionals (N = 148) from three European countries completed a survey on assessment practices. We performed a literature search to find information about the psychometric properties of the instruments that were identified in the survey. RESULTS: Of the participants, 78.1% used assessments that were not developed for people with PIMD. Documentation on psychometric properties was found for 8 out of 116 instruments. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the instruments in use were not designed for people with PIMD, and information about their quality is lacking. Guidelines are needed regarding the use and development of assessment methods for people with PIMD.

Collaborative clinical simulation in cardiologic emergency scenarios for medical students. An exploratory study on model applicability and assessment instruments.

Aims: This paper evaluates the feasibility of piloting the collaborative clinical simulation (CCS) model and its assessment instruments applicability for measuring interpersonal, collaborative, and clinical competencies in cardiologic emergency scenarios for medical students. The CCS model is a structured learning model for the acquisition and assessment of clinical competencies through small groups working collaboratively to design and perform in simulated environments supported by technology. Methods: Fifty-five students were allocated in five sessions (one weekly session) conducted with the CCS model within the course Cardiovascular Diseases. The applied practice aimed at the diagnosis and treatment of tachyarrhythmias in a simulated emergency department. In addition to the theoretical classes four weeks before the simulation sessions, students were sent a study guide that summarized the Guide to the European Society of Cardiology. For each simulation session, one clinical simulation instructor, one cardiologist teacher, and the principal investigator participated. Students were divided into three groups (3-5 students) for each-session. They designed, performed, role-played, and debriefed three different diagnoses. Three instruments to assess each group's performance were applied: peer assessment used by groups, performance assessment, created and applied by the cardiologist teacher, and individual satisfaction questionnaire for students. Results: The applicability of the CCS model was satisfactory for both students and teachers. The assessment instruments' internal reliability was good, as was internal consistency with a Cronbach Alpha of 0.7, 0.4, and 0.8 for each section (Interpersonal, Clinical, and Collaborative competencies, respectively). The performance group's evaluation was 0.8 for the two competencies assessed (Tachyarrhythmia and Electrical Cardioversion) and 0.8 for the satisfaction questionnaire's reliability. Conclusions: The CCS model for teaching emergency tachyarrhythmias to medical students was applicable and well accepted. The internal reliability of the assessment instruments was considered satisfactory by measuring satisfaction and performance in the exploratory study.

Parent needs assessment instruments in neonatal intensive care units: Implications for parent education interventions.

OBJECTIVES: Psychosocial and educational interventions based on standardized needs assessment can help alleviate distress among parents of premature infants. This study aims to (1) provide an overview of standardized instruments used to assess parental needs in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and (2) discuss their potential to facilitate the provision of appropriate support to parents of premature babies. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted. PubMed, CiNAHL, PsychARTICLES, PsychINFO, and Medline were searched for studies reporting on the use of validated parental needs assessment instruments in the NICU. RESULTS: Following the analysis of 33 publications, 6 instruments designed to assess the needs of premature infants' parents were identified. Based on their good psychometric properties and practicality, the NICU Family Needs Inventory, the Critical Care Maternal Needs Inventory, and the Nurse Parent Support Tool were considered particularly relevant for use in clinical and research settings. CONCLUSIONS: Validated parent needs assessment instruments are available for use in the NICU setting. Further research evaluating the benefits and usability of standardized parental needs assessment in the NICU is needed. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Validated needs assessment instruments should be consistently used to facilitate the development of targeted psychosocial and educational interventions for parents in the NICU.

[Treatment clusters and personnel assessment in psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy - results of a feasibility study of the platform model]. / Behandlungscluster und Personalbemessung in der psychosomatischen Medizin und Psychotherapie ­ Ergebnisse einer Machbarkeitsstudie zum Plattformmodell.

Treatment clusters and personnel assessment in psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy - results of a feasibility study of the platform model Objectives: In accordance with the legal requirements of the PsychVVG, it is necessary to develop criteria for inpatient and day-care psychosomatic psychotherapeutic care, which can be used to determine the appropriate staffing for different treatment areas and different care structures. For psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy a model with four treatment clusters was developed, which is oriented on the one hand to the psychotherapeutic intensity and on the other hand to the medical expenditure. Method: In three consecutive rounds with up to 30 experts, representative selected from the three institution types university hospital, departmental psychosomatic medicine and specialized clinic, the minute values per patient required for a treatment according to the guidelines were determined using the Delphi method. Newly developed activity profiles for the six occupational groups were used, which allow the recording of all patient- and setting-related activities. Results: With the results of the feasibility study, an instrument has been developed for the first time to determine the requirements of staffing in psychosomatic medicine. Convergent minute values could be formulated for three of the four treatment clusters. Conclusions: The provision of care in psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy is complex, so that a limitation to four treatment areas is only possible if significantly more generous equivalence rules are applied between the professional groups than those laid down in the PPP Directive.

EPA guidance on assessment of negative symptoms in schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: During the last decades, a renewed interest for negative symptoms (NS) was brought about by the increased awareness that they interfere severely with real-life functioning, particularly when they are primary and persistent. METHODS: In this guidance paper, we provide a systematic review of the evidence and elaborate several recommendations for the conceptualization and assessment of NS in clinical trials and practice. RESULTS: Expert consensus and systematic reviews have provided guidance for the optimal assessment of primary and persistent negative symptoms; second-generation rating scales, which provide a better assessment of the experiential domains, are available; however, NS are still poorly assessed both in research and clinical settings.This European Psychiatric Association (EPA) guidance recommends the use of persistent negative symptoms (PNS) construct in the context of clinical trials and highlights the need for further efforts to make the definition of PNS consistent across studies in order to exclude as much as possible secondary negative symptoms. We also encourage clinicians to use second-generation scales, at least to complement first-generation ones.The EPA guidance further recommends the evidence-based exclusion of several items included in first-generation scales from any NS summary or factor score to improve NS measurement in research and clinical settings. Self-rated instruments are suggested to further complement observer-rated scales in NS assessment.Several recommendations are provided for the identification of secondary negative symptoms in clinical settings. CONCLUSIONS: The dissemination of this guidance paper may promote the development of national guidelines on negative symptom assessment and ultimately improve the care of people with schizophrenia.

Factors Associated With Hospital Presentation of Self-Harm Among Older Canadians in Long-Term Care: A 12-Year Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the incidence of, and factors associated with, hospital presentation for self-harm among older Canadians in long-term care (LTC). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: The LTC data were collected using Resident Assessment Instrument-Minimum Data Set (RAI-MDS) and Resident Assessment Instrument-Home Care (RAI-HC), and linked to the Discharge Abstract Database (DAD) with hospital records of self-harm diagnosis. Adults aged 60+ at first assessment between April 1, 2003, and March 31, 2015, were included. METHODS: Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of self-harm for potentially relevant factors, including demographic, clinical, and psychosocial characteristics, were calculated using Fine & Gray competing risk models. RESULTS: Records were collated of 465,870 people in long-term care facilities (LTCF), and 773,855 people receiving home care (HC). Self-harm incidence per 100,000 person-years was 20.76 [95% confidence interval (CI) 20.31-25.40] for LTCF and 46.64 (44.24-49.12) for HC. In LTCF, the strongest risks were younger age (60-74 years vs 90+: HR, 6.00; 95% CI, 3.24-11.12), psychiatric disorders (bipolar disorder: 3.46; 2.32-5.16; schizophrenia: 2.31; 1.47-3.62; depression: 2.29; 1.80-2.92), daily severe pain (2.01; 1.30-3.11), and daily tobacco consumption (1.78; 1.29-2.45). For those receiving HC, the strongest risk factors were younger age (60-74 years vs 90+: 2.54; 1.97-3.28), psychiatric disorders (2.20; 1.93-2.50), daily tobacco consumption (2.08; 1.81-2.39), and frequent falls (1.98; 1.46-2.68). All model interactions between setting and factors were significant. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: There was lower incidence of hospital presentation for self-harm for LTCF residents than HC recipients. We found sizable risks of self-harm associated with several modifiable risk factors, some of which can be directly addressed by better treatment and care (psychiatric disorders and pain), whereas others require through more complex interventions that target underlying factors and causes (tobacco and falls). The findings highlight a need for setting- and risk-specific prevention strategies to address self-harm in the older populations.

[Personnel assessment in psychiatry and psychotherapy : Results of a feasibility study on the platform model]. / Personalbemessung in der Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie : Ergebnisse einer Machbarkeitsstudie zum Plattform-Modell.

The topic of personnel assessment in psychiatry, psychotherapy and psychosomatics is currently of great importance in terms of health policy. Sufficient empirical evidence for the development of a comprehensive system for staffing is not yet available. The platform model developed by the psychiatric psychosomatic societies and associations pursues a combined empirical normative approach for a future-oriented assessment instrument for the various professional groups. The concept presented has been proven in the health policy discussion as a sensible system of comprehensive personnel assessment; however, an empirically sound control is still lacking as to whether this system can be used practically for the task described and thus can withstand the task of a resilient and future-proof measurement instrument for the necessary personnel. The task of the present study was to examine the extent to which the assumptions of the platform model are confirmed, whether methodological indications can be identified and whether there are limitations of the study that can be used in the validation and foundation of the model. The study confirmed the feasibility of the model and refers to a number of methodological findings and limitations that can be used for the further development of the model. The developed model allows the necessary staffing to be derived and justified, regardless of diagnoses and settings. It is future-oriented and dynamic.

Hot Executive Function Assessment Instruments in Preschool Children: A Systematic Review.

The study aimed to systematically analyze the empirical evidence that is available concerning batteries, tests or instruments that assess hot executive functions (EFs) in preschoolers, identifying which are the most used instruments, as well as the most evaluated hot EFs. For the review and selection of articles, the systematic review methodology PRISMA was used. The article search considered the EBSCO, Web of Science (WoS), SciELO and PubMed databases, with the keywords "Hot executive function", "Assessment", "test", "evaluation", using the Boolean operators AND and OR indistinctly, between 2000 and April 2021. Twenty-four articles were selected and analyzed. The most commonly used instruments to assess hot EFs in preschool children were the Delayed Gratification Task, the Child's Play Task, and the Delayed Reward Task. Amongst those analyzed, 17 instruments were found to assess hot EFs in preschoolers. The accuracy and conceptual clarity between the assessment of cognitive and emotional components in EFs is still debatable. Nevertheless, the consideration of affective temperature and reward stimulus type, could be an important influence when assessing EFs in this age range. Evidence of the possible involvement of cortical and subcortical structures, as well as the limbic system, in preschool executive functioning assessment has also been incorporated.

Instrumentos Padronizados para Avaliação de Aspectos Sensoriais no Bebê do Nascimento aos Seis Meses: uma Revisão Integrativa / Standardized Instruments for the Evaluation of Sensory Aspects in Infants from Birth to the Sixth Month: an Integrative Review

RESUMO: Este trabalho teve como objetivo identificar os instrumentos padronizados que avaliam aspectos sensoriais do nascimento aos seis meses. Trata-se de uma Revisão Integrativa de estudos publicados entre 2010 e 2020, nas bases de dados Bireme, SciElo, Scopus, Lilacs e Pubmed/Medline, além da Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações e nos periódicos Cadernos Brasileiros de Terapia Ocupacional da Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Revista de Terapia Ocupacional da Universidade de São Paulo e na Revista Interinstitucional Brasileira de Terapia Ocupacional (REVISBRATO). Adotaram-se fixamente os descritores "infant" e "sensation disorders", o termo livre "scale" e o operador boleano "AND" e, no formato alternado, os termos livres "Sensory Profile", "Sensory Functions" e "Sensory Processing". Incluíram-se estudos em português, inglês e espanhol. Estudos de revisão, pesquisas com profissionais e que não correspondiam à temática foram excluídos dessa revisão. Foram selecionados seis estudos. Entre os oito instrumentos identificados, apenas o Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile e o Test of Sensory Functions Infants avaliam especificamente aspectos sensoriais. Identificou-se o uso de dois instrumentos de avaliação do contexto em que a criança está inserida para avaliar aspectos sensoriais como o HOME e o AHEMED e outros instrumentos de análise geral do desenvolvimento como a Escala Bayley III. Há necessidade de ampliação do uso de instrumentos específicos de análise do processamento sensorial para aumentar as oportunidades de familiares, professores e profissionais a apoiar o desenvolvimento do bebê, além de identificar sinais de risco que, quando tratados, diminuem os efeitos iatrogênicos no desenvolvimento.

ABSTRACT: This work aimed to identify the standardized instruments that assess sensory aspects in infants from birth to the sixth month. It is an Integrative Review of studies published from 2010 to 2020 in Bireme, SciElo, Scopus, Lilacs and Pubmed/Medline databases, in the Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations, and in the Brazilian Journal of Occupational Therapy from the Universidade Federal de São Carlos, in the Journal of Occupational Therapy from the University of São Paulo and the Interinstitutional Brazilian Journal of Occupational Therapy (REVISBRATO). The descriptors "infant" and "sensation disorders", the free term "scale", and the Boolean operator "AND" were fixedly adopted, whereas the free terms "Sensory Profile", "Sensory Functions" and "Sensory Processing" were alternately adopted. Studies in Portuguese, English and Spanish were included. Review studies, researches with professional and others that did not correspond to the theme were excluded from this review. Six studies were selected. Among the eight identified instruments, only the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile and the Test of Sensory Functions in Infants specifically assess sensory aspects. The use of two instruments for the assessment of the context in which the infant is inserted to assess sensory aspect, as HOME and AHEMED, were identified, as well as other instruments for general analysis of development, as Bayley-III. There is the need to broaden the use of specific instruments for the analysis of sensory processing in order to increase the opportunities for family members, teachers and professionals to support the infant development, as well as to identify risk signs that, when treated, decrease iatrogenic effects in development.