How do formative assessments differ from summative assessments in occupational therapy?

Formative assessments are primarily focused on monitoring a client's progress during the course of therapy. These assessments are integrated into the therapeutic process and help practitioners identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas that may require adjustments in the intervention plan. By evaluating a client’s performance and development over time, occupational therapists can tailor their approaches to better fit individual needs, making formative assessments crucial for ongoing adjustment and support.

In contrast, summative assessments are typically conducted at the end of a treatment cycle to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the interventions and the level of client progress achieved. They provide a snapshot of the client’s status after treatment has been implemented but do not account for the ongoing nature of a client’s development throughout the therapy process. Therefore, the distinction lies in the timing and purpose of these assessments; formative assessments are about continuous feedback and improvement during therapy whereas summative assessments provide conclusive data at the therapy's conclusion.