Cognitive assessment: A challenge for occupational therapists in Brazil

ABSTRACT Cognitive impairment is a common dysfunction after neurological injury. Cognitive assessment tools can help the therapist understand how impairments are affecting functional status and quality of life. Objective: The aim of the study was to identify instruments for cognitive assessment that Occupational Therapists (OT) can use in clinical practice. Methods: The instruments published in English and Portuguese between 1999 and 2016 were systematically reviewed. Results: The search identified 17 specific instruments for OT not validated in Brazilian Portuguese, 10 non-specific instruments for OT not validated in Brazilian Portuguese, and 25 instruments validated for Portuguese, only one of which was specific for OT (Lowenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment). Conclusion: There are few assessment cognitive tools validated for use in the Brazilian culture and language. The majority of the instruments appear not to be validated for use by OT in clinical practice.