What type of information does a clinical assessment primarily gather?

A clinical assessment primarily gathers clinical observations and measures of performance, making it a comprehensive tool for evaluating a client's functional abilities and limitations. This type of assessment encompasses not only observable behaviors but also quantifiable measures that capture aspects of a client's occupational performance. It typically includes standardized assessments, observational techniques, and performance-based evaluations that provide a holistic view of a client's overall health and functioning.

By focusing on concrete data and observed behaviors, clinicians can identify strengths and weaknesses that inform treatment planning and interventions. This approach ensures that the assessment is grounded in real-world performance and helps establish appropriate outcomes for occupational therapy, making it a vital element in effective practice.

In contrast, other options focus on incomplete aspects of assessment. Solely gathering subjective perspectives, such as personal opinions and feelings, may not provide a reliable basis for understanding a client's full clinical picture. Meanwhile, merely asking challenging questions about health history does not encompass the array of information that can be derived from actual performance measurements. Lastly, relying exclusively on feedback from family members, while valuable, does not replace the needs for direct observation and objective assessments that a clinical evaluation provides.