"The Pick of the Litter?" Understanding Standardized Assessment Tools and the Assessment Process with Older Adults in Therapeutic Recreation Practitioners

Abstract

Current therapeutic recreation research does not articulate how Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) complete the assessment process with older adults. A review of published research demonstrates various uses of theories, methodologies, unclear descriptions of populations of studies, and unknown competencies of researchers. The purpose of this study was to explore what current assessment practice looks like for CTRS’s that work with an older adult population. The study was guided by the principle of participatory action research and was completed with four participants using a semi-structured focus group. The participants’ experiences revealed complexities in practice that were interwoven with each other. Time, challenges in practice, building capacity with clients and other TR practitioners along with evidence based practice were key issues. Recommendations as a result of this study include further development of diagnostic protocols and practice-based evidence to inform clinical decision making.