ACOT is looking at diagnosis as part of a wider effort to update how OT practice is described in Schedule 15 of the Health Professions Act. Results will also inform things such as whether advanced training would be needed to permit OTs to establish diagnoses and whether a new Standard of Practice or Practice Statement is required about OTs and diagnosis.
We are exploring registrants’ perspectives on diagnosis to understand what it looks like in their current practice environments. ACOT understands this has been a grey area, and that practices may vary so that sometimes OTs identify characteristics suggestive of a diagnosis, sometimes OTs may identify a DSM-related diagnosis, or others. For example, we have heard of some OTs being involved in the diagnostic process of identifying developmental coordination disorder, some mental health conditions, etc., however it isn’t clear whether this includes OTs establishing/identifying and communicating a diagnosis to the client.
This survey will remain open until July 5, 2024. It is voluntary, anonymous, and open to all registered OTs regardless of their role. Survey link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=auw0b0qLjk20mZTizIKN9l_cDWms_2hMghA81lxEGn9URTNCNEdYVUlZVDU5M05IOVBZSkg3VEJWNS4u
Only aggregate results will be used as we pursue updates to our section of the Health Professions Act and create future guidance documents. It takes about 10 minutes to complete the first two sections. There is an optional third section where you can provide additional insights. At the end of the survey, you may enter a draw for one of five $100 Visa gift cards. The draw requires your personal data to be submitted, which is separated from the survey input, and is optional.
Thank you for your time and input, which will be used to inform our practice going forward.