The referral is sometimes considered part of which phase?

The referral is sometimes considered part of which phase?

• A. Evaluation
• B. Intervention
• C. Outcomes
• D. Diagnosis

Answer: (A)

The referral is the trigger that starts the OT process and provides the question and context the therapist needs to plan the assessment. In the evaluation phase, the clinician gathers background information, reviews the chart, and decides what to assess to determine whether OT services are needed and what goals to set. The referral itself isn’t an intervention, a measure of outcomes, or a medical diagnosis; it simply informs and guides the evaluation. That's why it’s best considered part of the evaluation.

The referral is the trigger that starts the OT process and provides the question and context the therapist needs to plan the assessment. In the evaluation phase, the clinician gathers background information, reviews the chart, and decides what to assess to determine whether OT services are needed and what goals to set. The referral itself isn’t an intervention, a measure of outcomes, or a medical diagnosis; it simply informs and guides the evaluation. That's why it’s best considered part of the evaluation.