OccupationalTherapy.com Phone: 866-782-9924


What Are The Different Levels Of Evidence For OT Research?

Rondalyn V. Whitney, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

February 1, 2018

Share:

Question

What are the different levels of evidence for OT research?

Answer

Evidence based practice is important because we want to be a good consumer of research. We also want our clients and families to be good consumers of research. We can have falsely interpreted information given to us and can be injured by that if we are not able to assess correctly. When we look at evidence, it really comes down to fact checking whether or not the question was answered. An example of one of the most famous "catches" is the study that stated hormone replacement therapy correlates with decreased coronary heart disease. This was huge. Actually what they found was hormone replacement therapy caused coronary heart disease, but the association that was in the original study was socio-economic status. This is an example of data being interpreted in a way that is not exactly correct. Often we do not have the tools to go back and check it out. We provide that information to our clients and this could accidentally do harm.

When we look at information through a researcher's model, it is a little different than clinical practice. There are different levels of the evidence, or different ways that we can design a method.

  • Level I: Randomized Control Trial
  • Level II: Non-randomized Control Trial- Two Group
  • Level III: Non-randomized Control Trial- One Group (One Treatment) Pretest
  • Level IV: Single Subject Design
  • Level V: Narratives/Case Studies

A Level I design, which is a randomized control trial, is one of the most recognized types of research. However, a randomized control trial is often out of scope or out of the reach of clinicians. It is expensive, rigorous, and a very complex method to implement.

There are many kinds of researchable methodologies that we can use. For example, a Level IV, which is a single subject design, or even Level II, which is a non-randomized control trial, are within our scope. They are a part of our obligation. We should be looking at a pre and post test in many of the interventions that we use in practice. 

Research is a messy process, and it is always under development. I am a pediatric therapist and I believe that children are some of our most fantastic researchers. They are aggressive researchers. They ask questions like, "What would happen if I took the Cool Whip and spread it all over my brother, the TV, and the floor? Oops, I got in trouble, but it sure did feel good along the way. I could taste it, I could feel it, it was cool." They are gathering data about their world. A baby eating cake is another example. They are wondering, "What happens if I smear it on my hands? What happens if I open my hands up? It goes pop, pop, pop. What happens if I rub it on my face?" Again, children are aggressive researchers, and they are really okay with not exactly knowing how the research is going to progress.

The following is important to remember:

  • Research is an iterative process
  • Do not expect to get it right the first time
  • Talking it through gives you information, then you fine tune
  • Multiple iterations moves you toward the “final product”


rondalyn v whitney

Rondalyn V. Whitney, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Rondalyn Whitney’s research focuses on emotional disclosure to reduce stress and improve quality of life and family quality of life when raising a child with disabilities.  She is the author of more than 6 books, her work has been published in over 10 scholarly journals and she is a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association. She serves as a reviewer for several journals.


Related Courses

Using the Science of Sensory Process to Survive The Holidays
Presented by Rondalyn V. Whitney, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Video

Presenter

Rondalyn V. Whitney, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Course: #4952Level: Advanced2 Hours
  'Very timely (October!)'   Read Reviews
Stress reduces our ability to cope and the holidays increase the number of stressors in our daily lives: The pandemic presents a unique pile-on effect for families. This advanced level course builds of foundational knowledge of Ayre’s theory of Sensory Integration to the occupational needs of families during holiday celebrations.

Interoception: The Hidden Sensory System
Presented by Rondalyn V. Whitney, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Video

Presenter

Rondalyn V. Whitney, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Course: #3932Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'course studies'   Read Reviews
The interoceptive system, often referred to as the ‘eighth sensory system’ is often neglected or misunderstood. However, this system is critical to self regulation. This course will explain how understanding the 8th sensory system can contribute to better sensory modulation, social interaction and ultimately as better sense of self-awareness.

Disability Inclusion: What Healthcare Providers Need To Know
Presented by Kathryn Sorensen, OTD, OTR/L, ADAC
Video

Presenter

Kathryn Sorensen, OTD, OTR/L, ADAC
Course: #5632Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'Speaker was entertaining and informative'   Read Reviews
As a person with a disability and an occupational therapist, I have a unique perspective of living in two worlds. In this course, I will share my personal experience and things I wish healthcare providers knew and understood about living with a disability.

Writing IEP Goals
Presented by Kim Wiggins, OTR/L
Video

Presenter

Kim Wiggins, OTR/L
Course: #4100Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Great information presented clearly'   Read Reviews
Goal writing can be time consuming and difficult to complete for therapists. This webinar will teach you a step by step process how to write functional goals for students in the school setting.

Strategies for Creating a Culturally-Inclusive Mindset
Presented by Esther Clervaud, EdS
Video

Presenter

Esther Clervaud, EdS
Course: #9478Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'The instructor was clear and engaging, explained everything well, and highlighted important facts'   Read Reviews
Since America is growing more diverse, cultural awareness has become more vital for day-to-day success. Discover four strategies that will help you develop a mindset that will facilitate a culturally-sensitive environment both personally and professionally, regardless of your work setting.

Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.