The focus of this article is to discuss whether or not assessment of function is the core of occupational therapy. This is primarily undertaken through examining the analysis and debate surrounding the literature related to this area. Evidence suggests that the concept of function is interpreted in diverse ways and the need for commonly accepted definitions is highlighted. The nature of assessment in relation to core skills is examined, together with the potential for assessment of function to assist in defining occupational therapy. It is concluded that assessment of function cannot be isolated as the singular core of occupational therapy.
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