Document Type

Presentation -- MUSC Only

Publication Date

Spring 4-10-2026

Faculty Mentor

Michelle Woodbury

Abstract

Background: Consistent administration of outcome measures is essential for producing reliable research data, particularly in stroke rehabilitation where client-centered goals guide intervention (Kelly-Hayes, 2004). The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) is widely used to evaluate self-identified occupational performance goals; however, variability in administration among research team members may introduce inter-rater discrepancies and bias in data collection (COPM) (n.d.). Within the Medical University of South Carolina Stroke Recovery Research Center, inconsistent COPM administration was identified during analysis of data and informal interviewing from an ongoing study. Informal interviews were conducted with 7 occupational therapists experienced in neurorehabilitation to identify barriers to COPM use and determine the need for standardized guidance. Interview responses indicated limited clinical use of the COPM, with time constraints, cost, and lack of clear administration procedures reported as primary barriers. The respondents to the interviews had varying years of experience and a range of clinical expertise. Of the 7 OTs interviewed, none had used the COPM in clinical practice and 3 stated that they would be more willing to incorporate its use if clear administration guidelines were available.

Methods: A standardized administration manual was developed outlining step-by-step procedures and standardized cueing for administering and scoring the COPM. The manual was distributed to 5 research team members, and feedback was collected using REDCap surveys and free-response comments to guide revisions.

Results: The respondents to the REDCap survey come from various professional backgrounds; Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Engineer, Project Manager, and Temporary PI. Four out of five respondents stated that they administer the COPM within the team. Five out of five respondents agree or strongly agrees that the manual is applicable, useful, and helpful to administration of the COPM.

Conclusion: The purpose of this capstone project was to develop a standardized COPM administration manual to improve inter-rater reliability, reduce discrepancies in raw data, and support consistent use of the COPM within an interdisciplinary research team. Implementation of this manual may enhance data quality in future studies and support more consistent use of client-centered outcome measures across interdisciplinary teams. Future research will compare COPM outcomes across studies using the standardized protocol to further evaluate its impact on data reliability.

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