The Validity of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) When Used in a Sub-Acute Rehabilitation Setting with Older Adults

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the validity of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) when included as one of the scales used by therapists with older adults on an inpatient sub-acute rehabilitation setting. Quantitative data from 36 participants in a sub-acute rehabilitation setting was obtained via the COPM, the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) using a pre-post methodology. Pearson's r correlations and linear regression analyses were computed. The COPM Performance admission score was significantly correlated with the FIM Total and FIM Physical admission scores (p <.05) while the COPM Satisfaction admission score was significantly correlated with the FIM Total and FIM Physical admission scores (p <.05). The COPM Performance discharge score was significantly associated with the FIM Total, FIM Physical, and SF-36 Physical Health discharge scores (p <.01) while the COPM Satisfaction discharge scores was significantly associated with the FIM Total, FIM Physical, and SF-36 Physical Health discharge scores (p <.01) respectively. Linear regression analyses determined that the COPM's Performance admission score uniquely explained 8.4% of the SF-36 Physical Health discharge score's total variance (p <.05). The results contribute to the COPM's evidence base, supporting its convergent validity and predictive validity.

KEYWORDS:

• Canadian Occupational Performance Measure
• goal setting
• client-centered
• outcome measure
• rehabilitation
• validity

Declaration of conflicting interests

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

About the Authors

Laura Thyer, BOccTher(Hons), Occupational Therapist and Research Assistant, Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University – Peninsula Campus, Frankston, Victoria, Australia. Ted Brown, PhD, MSc, MPA, BScOT(Hons), PgCert(HlthProfEd), OT(C), OTR, MRCOT, FOTARA, Associate Professor and Undergraduate Course Convenor, Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University – Peninsula Campus, Frankston, Victoria, Australia. Debbie Roe, BSc OccTher, PgCert(Gerontology), Occupational Therapist, Casey Hospital, Monash Health, Berwick, Victoria, Australia.

Additional information

Funding

This research received no specific grant support from any funding agency in the public, commercial or, not-for-profit sectors.