Observation Tools

Table of ContentsSummer Series 8
Written By Jan Davis, MS, OTR/L

Teaching students how to observe is fundamental to teaching strong critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills. As students learn to sharpen their observation skills, they will be better prepared for assessing and identifying their patient's problem areas and creating plans for intervention and documentation.

The following Observation Tools can be used 'as is' or customized to meet your students' needs.

Featured
SOAP Note Writing Activity (Pediatrics)
Melissa Turpin, OTD, OTR/L, CTP
SOAP Note Writing Activity (Pediatrics)
Melissa Turpin, OTD, OTR/L, CTP
Melissa Turpin, OTD, OTR/L, CTP
Observation Skill Development using Sit to Stand
Lisa Doyle, PT, DPT, MS, NCS
Observation Skill Development using Sit to Stand
Lisa Doyle, PT, DPT, MS, NCS

This lesson plan is designed to develop observational skills comparing normal movement to atypical movement.

This activity supports the requirements for:
ACOTE standards B.4.4
CAPTE standards 7D7

Lisa Doyle, PT, DPT, MS, NCS
Observation Skill Development using Ambulation
Lisa Doyle, PT, DPT, MS, NCS
Observation Skill Development using Ambulation
Lisa Doyle, PT, DPT, MS, NCS

This lesson plan is designed to develop observational skills to determine deficits in static standing and early ambulation in a stroke survivor.

This activity supports the requirements for:
ACOTE standards B.4.4
CAPTE standards 7D7

Lisa Doyle, PT, DPT, MS, NCS
Using the OTPF to Foster Observational and Critical Thinking Skills (Pediatrics)
Melissa Turpin, OTD, OTR/L, CTP
Using the OTPF to Foster Observational and Critical Thinking Skills (Pediatrics)
Melissa Turpin, OTD, OTR/L, CTP
Melissa Turpin, OTD, OTR/L, CTP
Fostering Observational Skills & Critical Thinking
Lisa Doyle, PT, DPT, MS, NCS
Fostering Observational Skills & Critical Thinking
Lisa Doyle, PT, DPT, MS, NCS
Lisa Doyle, PT, DPT, MS, NCS
Kinesiology/Analysis of Physical Performance, Upper Extremity
Lisa (Elisabeth) Koch MOT, OTR/L
Kinesiology/Analysis of Physical Performance, Upper Extremity
Lisa (Elisabeth) Koch MOT, OTR/L

For each video, analyze the movement of the client’s indicated or non-affected upper extremity; joints; movement(s); prime movers; type of contraction; approximate AROM; and any movements/muscles associated.

Lisa (Elisabeth) Koch MOT, OTR/L
Observation Log
Jan Davis, MS, OTR/L
Observation Log
Jan Davis, MS, OTR/L
Jan Davis, MS, OTR/L
Patient Interview & Observation with Clint
Jan Davis, MS, OTR/L
Patient Interview & Observation with Clint
Jan Davis, MS, OTR/L
Jan Davis, MS, OTR/L
Practice Lab: Observation of Normal Movement During Function
Jan Davis, MS, OTR/L
Practice Lab: Observation of Normal Movement During Function
Jan Davis, MS, OTR/L
Jan Davis, MS, OTR/L
Movement Analysis in Acute Care
Mary Hudson-McKinney, PT, MS, DPT, NCS
Movement Analysis in Acute Care
Mary Hudson-McKinney, PT, MS, DPT, NCS
Mary Hudson-McKinney, PT, MS, DPT, NCS

Related Tips for Teaching

Featured
Inspiring Clinical Excellence in Today’s Students
Inspiring Clinical Excellence in Today’s Students

Speaker:

Jan Davis, MS, OTR/L

Dynamic Observation: The Key to Critical Thinking and Clinical Reasoning
Dynamic Observation: The Key to Critical Thinking and Clinical Reasoning

Speaker:

Jan Davis, MS, OTR/L

Tools for Teaching Observation with Learning Activities & Practice Labs
Tools for Teaching Observation with Learning Activities & Practice Labs

Speaker:

Jan Davis, MS, OTR/L

Utilizing ICE Videos Throughout the Curriculum
Utilizing ICE Videos Throughout the Curriculum

Speakers:

Laurie Daigle, PT, MA

Sharon Glover, OTD, OTR/L

Lisa Koch, MOT, OTR/L

Jan Davis, MS, OTR/L

Jan Davis, MS, OTR/L

Founder and president of International Clinical Educators, Jan Davis specializes in using video technology (filmed with real patients and therapists) to create innovative, state of the art educational materials for practicing clinicians as well as occupational therapy and physical therapy faculty and students.

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