

The primary goal of health professionals is to provide services by applying their knowledge for the benefit of individuals in society. Society is increasingly demanding that health professions clearly document the exact nature of their services, the efficacy of their services to individuals, and the extent to which these services meet the needs of society. In response to this need, the NYU Steinhardt's Department of Occupational Therapy has adopted the following research agenda.
The focus of research in the Department of Occupational Therapy is to examine the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions for individuals, groups, or society. Occupational therapists apply their specific knowledge to enable individuals to engage in activities of daily living that have personal meaning and value. The research conducted within the department is aimed at promoting the quality of occupational therapy education and the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions and examines:
Outcome studies of prevention and intervention in occupational therapy
Reliability and validity of assessment tools used by occupational therapists
Validity of computerized visual perceptual motor measures for school-aged children
Development of practice and technological innovation
In summary, the department's research agenda is concerned with examining the links between occupational therapy education and practice and the effects of occupational therapy in the real world of practice. Ultimately, the research activities of department faculty and students serve to support the department's mission to promote the development of outstanding, ethical practitioners and scholars who are prepared to respond to society's ever-changing needs, and thereby improve the quality of occupational therapy practice and research.