Applying the use of activity in the assessment of malingering: A case illustration

Issue title: Occupational Work Therapy Practice in South Africa

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Brink, Karen S.

Affiliations: P.O. Box 31216, Tokai, 7966, Cape Town, South Africa. Tel.: +27 21 788 8912; Fax: +27 21 788 8912; E-mail: karen@newzhoundz.co.za

Abstract: The assessment of malingering has predominantly been considered within the domains of neuropsychologists and psychiatrists, who use consistency of performance criteria similar to those used in functional capacity evaluations (FCE). The use of activity has traditionally been used in occupational therapy as an assessment and treatment modality with goals not always considered obvious and which could easily be used for diversional reasons. The appropriate use of activity adds an additional dimension to a layered approach of using multiple data sources and methods as recommended by FCE practitioners and neuropsychologists alike. The case illustration aims to explain the above using a layered model.

Keywords: Functional capacity evaluations, occupational therapy, activity, effort

Journal: Work, vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 47-53, 2007