Effects of collaborative consultation using iPad application in school-based occupational therapy: A single-arm pre-post pilot study

Introduction This pilot study examined the effect of collaborative consultation with teachers in school-based occupational therapy (SBOT) using iPad application for goal-setting-Aid for Decision-Making in Occupation Choice for School (ADOC-S). Method A single arm pre-post intervention design was conducted at four preschools in Japan. The participants were 10 preschool teachers (10.5 +/- 0.4 years of teaching), and 10 children (3.8 +/- 0.4 years old; five boys). The teachers received three collaborative consultations (1 hr for each) from one occupational therapist. Firstly, the occupational therapist conducted an observational assessment of the child's school life, then the teacher and occupational therapist identified occupation-based goals for each child using the ADOC-S. Secondly, the teacher and the occupational therapist developed the graded goals using the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS) and discussed the daily intervention plan for the teachers to conduct. Thirdly, the occupational therapist followed up on the intervention process using GAS. The subjective outcome was measured at 10 point-satisfaction and performance score in each goal using Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). The observed outcome was measured using GAS and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Results All the participants including teachers and children successfully underwent the intervention process. Significant improvement was found pre-post and effect size (ES) was large on the COPM (ES;r = .85-.94), GAS (ES;r = .98-.99) and SDQ (ES;r = .64). All goals (30/30) exceeded expectations of GAS from zero to +2. Conclusion Although there are some limitations and considerations which need to be resolved for future studies, our results suggest that ADOC-S would help build a rapport with a teacher in SBOT settings, and this collaborative consultation would facilitate a positive outcome.