What does the term "sensitivity" indicate in assessment measurement?

The term "sensitivity" in assessment measurement refers to the ability to accurately identify individuals who have a specific condition or disease. This is crucial in diagnostic tests, as a highly sensitive test will correctly detect a high proportion of true positives – that is, individuals who actually have the condition being tested for.

In the context of occupational therapy assessment, sensitivity is significant because it ensures that clients who require intervention are not overlooked. A test with high sensitivity minimizes the risk of missing cases, which is vital for planning appropriate interventions and promoting optimal client outcomes.

This differentiates it from other measurement concepts, like specificity, which relates to correctly identifying individuals who do not have the condition. Understanding sensitivity helps practitioners make informed decisions about screening tools and assessments in their practice.