When choosing an assessment, what is the first step in the decision-making process?

Identifying the occupational performance issue is indeed the first step in the decision-making process when choosing an assessment. This foundational step sets the stage for all subsequent actions, as it ensures that the chosen assessment is relevant to the specific needs and challenges faced by the individual being evaluated. By clearly defining the issues or concerns related to occupational performance, practitioners can align their assessment tools and methodologies accordingly.

Once the issue has been identified, other factors such as interpreting results, considering costs and logistics, or administering screenings can be addressed. However, without first understanding the core occupational performance issue, the selection of assessment tools may not effectively target the areas of concern, potentially leading to misguided interventions or irrelevant data collection. Thus, establishing the correct context and focus is crucial to effective assessment and intervention planning.