8 Steps of the Data Driven Decision Making Process

Are you familiar with the 8 steps of the Data Driven Decision Making process? This was developed by Schaaf and colleagues to improve outcome measurements in occupational therapy practice. It is an eight-step process that emphasizes data use to help develop client-centered, replicable interventions to guide and measure practice. You can download a FREE printable to help you with the process at the of the post.

Data Driven Decision Making Process

Here are the eight steps of the OT process to guide clinical reasoning using the Data Driven Decision Making Process –

Step 1: Identify Participation Challenges.

Determine the child’s strengths, the current level of functioning and challenges.

Step 2: Conduct the Assessment.

Choose an assessment tool(s) based on the child’s current skill level.

Step 3 of the Data Drive Decision Making Process: Generate a Hypothesis.

Using the assessment findings, write a hypothesis summary statement. Try to determine what factors are affecting the child’s level of functioning.

Step 4: Develop and Scale Goals.

Create goals using Goal Attainment Scaling, S.M.A.R.T. goals, Rubrics, etc.

Step 5: Identify Outcome Measures.

Determine the outcomes that are needed to monitor progress. Outcomes are the factors that affect participation and the skills, abilities or behaviors that are expected in response to the intervention.

Step 6: Set the Stage for the Intervention.

Develop and plan evidence-based interventions including frequency and duration.

Step 7: Conduct the Intervention.

Based on the plan provide the interventions according to the suggested frequency and duration from step 6.

Step 8: Measure Outcomes and Monitor Progress.

Measure outcomes at regular intervals using data collection established in step 4 and 5. Analyze the data frequently to determine the effectiveness of the intervention.

This process may seem laborious, but when used effectively it may greatly improve your client’s outcomes.

Reference: Faller, P., Hunt, J., van Hooydonk, E., Mailloux, Z., & Schaaf, R. (2016). Application of Data-Driven Decision Making Using Ayres Sensory Integration® With a Child With Autism. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 70(1), 7001220020p1-7001220020p9.

Download a FREE Printable of the 8 Steps of the Data Driven Decision Making Process

Would you like a printable copy of the 8 steps of the data driven decision making process? It will make it much easier to move through the steps to help your clients reach their goals. You can write down notes as you move through each step.

Sign up to receive the weekly email newsletter along with other announcements from Your Therapy Source. You will be redirected to the freebie page. If you do not see the sign up box, email info@yourtherapysource.com or click on the blue box in the bottom right hand corner and reference this freebie and we can email it to you.

Resource to Help with the Data Driven Decision Making Process

Data Tracking Forms for School-Based Occupational and Physical Therapy UPDATED 2018 includes 10 data collection forms for monitoring progress in occupational and physical therapy in the school setting. Document up to 4 IEP goals per student in your daily sessions in Excel and it will graph your data directly from your session notes. These Data Tracking Forms for School-Based Occupational and Physical Therapy will make data collection so much easier! FIND OUT MORE.