An Investigation into the Use of the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) in Clinical Practice

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate how occupational therapists used the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) in their clinical practice following an AMPS training course. Questionnaires and group interviews were used over a 9-month period to follow up 53 occupational therapists and establish how they were using the AMPS in their workplace. It explored the difficulties that they experienced in implementing the AMPS in their clinical practice and using the AMPS with their client group and within their clinical team.

The results showed that 96% of the occupational therapists were using the AMPS in their clinical practice at 5 months following training and 83% were still using it at 9 months. The difficulties experienced included problems associated with low staffing levels, high workloads or lack of time to introduce new work skills. Success was dependent on a supportive working environment, especially from managers, and adequate time available to allow for the development of a new skill. Occupational therapy managers need to support therapists following training to make the best use of the time and the cost involved in training individuals to use the AMPS.