Spatial Relations Testing in Occupational Therapy: Results of a Survey among Canadian Occupational Therapists

Abstract

This article presents the results of a questionnaire whose major objective was to establish which tests are presently being employed by occupational therapists to evaluate spatial relations abilities with adult hemiplegic patients. The questionnaire also determined the frequency and type of spatial relations problems encountered, and the importance attributed by occupational therapists to their evaluation. The major finding was that 92% of the therapists were using the spatial relations tests in the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapist's Evaluation of Perceptual Function. It was remarked that these same tests do not adequately direct themselves to investigating the deficits of unilateral neglect and topographical disorientation, well known deficits associated with other spatial relations problems. The wide application of tests that have not been standardized is a strong indication of the need for studies investigating the validity of these tests.