Clinical Reasoning in Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy practitioners use clinical reasoning in all areas of practice to determine who needs intervention, the most effective interventions, and expected outcomes. Successful professionals also use clinical reasoning to confidently assimilate new information, make decisions, argue well, and advocate for clients. A particular challenge facing occupational therapy students and novice practitioners is that actual clients do not always fit a typical clinical picture. This text guides readers in learning how to identify relevant clinical data among the diverse details of clients’ histories, interests, comorbidities, and lifestyles through fully developed case examples that guide reasoning through hypothesis refinement and changing situations. This essential text is aligned with the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework and integrates frames of reference and evidence in practical ways. Learning activities challenge readers to thoughtfully integrate what they are learning into their own ways of reasoning. Designed with the belief that systematic use of clinical reasoning strategies streamlines and supports using responsible, cost-effective interventions, Clinical Reasoning in Occupational Therapy guides students and practitioners in thinking efficiently, flexibly, and critically, providing clients with the best possible care.