This research project consisted of four studies, implemented in two phases. Phase one focused on evaluation of a) validity evidence of the AMPS scales in relation to internal structure and stability of item difficulty calibration values for a Middle European sample compared to samples from other world regions (Study I); b) the stability of the mean AMPS measures between typically-developing children from Middle Europe and from other world regions (Study II); and c) the sensitivity of the AMPS measures to discriminate between typically-developing children and children with and at risk for ADHD, DCD, LD, and SI (Study III). Participants for phase one were from both Middle Europe and from other world regions and they were selected from the AMPS database, Ft. Collins, Colorado, USA. Data were analyzed using many-facet Rasch analyses, ANOVAs, regression analyses, related post-hoc tests, and effect size calculations.
Phase two of the research project focused on evaluating feasibility of a larger randomized controlled trial (RCT) implemented in a Swiss setting using the of the AMPS and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) as a standardized outcome measures (Study IV). Data were analyzed based on feasibility objectives and the principles of deductive content analysis.
Contribution to the practice/evidence base of occupational therapy:
Not only this research project validated and provided the first occupational-specific assessment tool for use with Middle Europeans, but it will also infused new skills to occupational therapist in this region. Occupational therapy interventions can be evaluated based on a valid and reliable instrument, in clients with different diagnoses and across different age groups. With the AMPS, occupational performance problems and strengths of clients can be evaluated, which serve a basis for occupational therapists to formulate targeted occupational goals meaningful to the client. Furthermore, the objective outcome measure can serve as a tool for the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions in individuals accountable to insurance companies. Last but not least, occupational therapists working in Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Slovenia are able to join in collaborative international research related to ADL.
