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Use of measuring tools in practice development projects—A critical perspective

Glasdam, Stinne LU and Sudmann, Tobba Therkildsen (2021) In Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy 88(1). p.59-70
Abstract
Background.
Occupational therapists are generally positive towards use of measuring tools. However, such use may be problematic.
Purpose.
To illuminate hidden and adverse effects of using measuring tools in occupational therapy.
Method.
A Foucauldian inspired thematic analysis of the use of measuring tools in 13 reports of practice development projects in Denmark.
Findings.
Three themes were constructed: “Categorisation of loss”, “Conduct of conduct: Self-tracking and competition”, and “Conforming to expected forms of everyday living”. Measuring tools tended to produce generalised truths about older adults and were used to predict outcome of or access to reablement programs. The measurements guided both older... (More)
Background.
Occupational therapists are generally positive towards use of measuring tools. However, such use may be problematic.
Purpose.
To illuminate hidden and adverse effects of using measuring tools in occupational therapy.
Method.
A Foucauldian inspired thematic analysis of the use of measuring tools in 13 reports of practice development projects in Denmark.
Findings.
Three themes were constructed: “Categorisation of loss”, “Conduct of conduct: Self-tracking and competition”, and “Conforming to expected forms of everyday living”. Measuring tools tended to produce generalised truths about older adults and were used to predict outcome of or access to reablement programs. The measurements guided both older people and professionals, and measurements created both motivation and resistance. The tools served as an extension of the healthcare professionals’ authority.
Implications.
When appropriately situated, measuring tools have the potential to empower and enhance older adults’ lives and should be the focus of greater clinical attention. (Less)
Abstract (Swedish)
Background: Occupational therapists are generally positive towards use of measuring tools. However, such use may be problematic.
Purpose: To illuminate hidden and adverse effects of using measuring tools in occupational therapy.
Method: A Foucauldian inspired thematic analysis of the use of measuring tools in 13 reports of practice development projects in Denmark.
Findings: Three themes were constructed: “Categorisation of loss”, “Conduct of conduct: Self-tracking and competition”, and “Conforming to expected forms of everyday living”. Measuring tools tended to produce generalised truths about older adults and were used to predict outcome of or access to reablement programs. The measurements guided both older people and... (More)
Background: Occupational therapists are generally positive towards use of measuring tools. However, such use may be problematic.
Purpose: To illuminate hidden and adverse effects of using measuring tools in occupational therapy.
Method: A Foucauldian inspired thematic analysis of the use of measuring tools in 13 reports of practice development projects in Denmark.
Findings: Three themes were constructed: “Categorisation of loss”, “Conduct of conduct: Self-tracking and competition”, and “Conforming to expected forms of everyday living”. Measuring tools tended to produce generalised truths about older adults and were used to predict outcome of or access to reablement programs. The measurements guided both older people and professionals, and measurements created both motivation and resistance. The tools served as an extension of the healthcare professionals’ authority.
Implications: When appropriately situated, measuring tools have the potential to empower and enhance older adults’ lives and should be the focus of greater clinical attention. (Less)
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author
and
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
published
subject
keywords
measurement tools, Empowerment, Foucault, reablement projects, Governmentality, Older People, Occupational Therapy
in
Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy
volume
88
issue
1
pages
59 - 70
publisher
Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
external identifiers
  • pmid:33678041
  • scopus:85104209724
ISSN
0008-4174
DOI
10.1177/0008417421994365
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
2ae12828-fec9-4722-8fa7-fc2cd44e2f12
date added to LUP
2021-03-08 11:06:37
date last changed
2022-04-27 00:38:06
@article{2ae12828-fec9-4722-8fa7-fc2cd44e2f12,
  abstract     = {{Background.<br/>Occupational therapists are generally positive towards use of measuring tools. However, such use may be problematic.<br/>Purpose.<br/>To illuminate hidden and adverse effects of using measuring tools in occupational therapy.<br/>Method.<br/>A Foucauldian inspired thematic analysis of the use of measuring tools in 13 reports of practice development projects in Denmark.<br/>Findings.<br/>Three themes were constructed: “Categorisation of loss”, “Conduct of conduct: Self-tracking and competition”, and “Conforming to expected forms of everyday living”. Measuring tools tended to produce generalised truths about older adults and were used to predict outcome of or access to reablement programs. The measurements guided both older people and professionals, and measurements created both motivation and resistance. The tools served as an extension of the healthcare professionals’ authority.<br/>Implications.<br/>When appropriately situated, measuring tools have the potential to empower and enhance older adults’ lives and should be the focus of greater clinical attention.}},
  author       = {{Glasdam, Stinne and Sudmann, Tobba Therkildsen}},
  issn         = {{0008-4174}},
  keywords     = {{measurement tools; Empowerment; Foucault; reablement projects; Governmentality; Older People; Occupational Therapy}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  month        = {{03}},
  number       = {{1}},
  pages        = {{59--70}},
  publisher    = {{Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists}},
  series       = {{Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy}},
  title        = {{Use of measuring tools in practice development projects—A critical perspective}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0008417421994365}},
  doi          = {{10.1177/0008417421994365}},
  volume       = {{88}},
  year         = {{2021}},
}