The Memory Unit OT

If we’re not careful, full OT evaluations can eat up a lot of our time during the day. This of course matters because of productivity and billing (not to mention the high potential for getting behind in your treatment list). A simple strategy for managing this: create an Evaluation Toolkit for yourself.

In the past I have actually taken an old purse or tote bag and filled it with the items that I want/need for evaluations. That way I can just grab and go. I also like to keep a basic inventory list on hand to keep track of what I need and to regularly stock my evaluation kit.

Here’s a printable version of mine:

Some of these items are pretty self explanatory, like the goniometers and the gait belt. I like to keep a tape measure on hand in case I need to measure edema. It is also useful when fitting residents for wheelchairs. The flashlight pen comes in handy when I discover a skin abrasion or irritation, or if the individual is complaining of mouth pain and the SLP hasn’t made it in yet to evaluate. And I always keep pen and paper handy incase my internet or laptop decide to die in the middle of my evaluation (we love technology, amiright?)

Then come the less obvious items, like the paperclips. Those work well for quick sensory screening mid-evaluation. I bring grippy socks along because surprisingly, and more often than not, a patient presents to the evaluation barefooted (friendly reminder I’m only working in inpatient settings right now). And the single piece of theraband is for a mock dressing assessment if the individual is already dressed for the day (this is not my original idea, but you can see it here).

What are your most essential items to bring along for an evaluation?