Determining the Clinical Utility of the Short Child Occupational Profile (SCOPE)

Objective:The purpose of this study was to propose a process for the study of clinical utility and to illustrate its implementation in the development of an assessment.Method:A mixed methods approach was used to understand the clinical utility of an assessment in development. An exploratory qualitative/quantitative (QUAL?QUANT) approach was used to identify perspectives of the clinical utility of the assessment. The design placed equal status on the two methods used: focus groups and surveys.Results:The proposed process for the study of clinical utility resulted in targeted revisions based upon data obtained from 21 practitioners in three focus groups during a systemised examination of clinical utility.Conclusion:A mixed methods process can be used to ensure the clinical utility of assessments during the development process.