Evidence-Based Practice: Choosing OT Resources that Actually Work
How to use your clinical reasoning to choose the best resource
The Overload of Options
In the digital world we live in, accessing the resources we need to facilitate engaging, meaningful and client-led therapy sessions can be overwhelming! I’ve felt it.. scrolling through web pages trying to find the *perfect* worksheet. Usually, I’m disappointed. The resources end up unopened in my inbox, or my shopping cart is abandoned.
We are bombarded with so many options; temptations that this new shiny resource will be the golden ticket to our clients achieving their goals.. if only!
After practicing as an OT for 7 years, there is one thing that I have learned. And that is that there is no golden ticket for clinical reasoning a resources (sorry to disappoint). However, there are some simple steps and questions you can reflect on to choose that *perfect* resource (see below).
Why YOUR Clinical Reasoning Matters
I remember finishing University and thinking… “I have NO idea how to ‘do’ OT”. This was something I learnt on the job (and am still learning everyday!). The biggest lesson I took from Uni, was how to BE an OT.
Being an OT is about analysing, problem-solving, thinking critically and outside the box. I often joke that I went to Uni and got a degree in common sense, but usually, it feels like common sense because of my clinical reasoning.
This is the most important thing when choosing a resource. Your ability to clinically reason why it’s needed, how it can be used to help your client reach their goal, and how it links to your role.
The Downside of Too Many Options…
Having so many options when you are selecting a digital resource can easily lead you to feel confused, overwhelmed or like you don’t even know what your job is meant to be! There are so many amazing OT creators, however unfortunately, many of the platforms available have not been created specifically for OTs. This can lead to a heavier influence of different lenses (think speechies, teachers, psychologists). While resources created by other disciplines can still be 100% relevant to our roles, it can create an overwhelming feeling when we have to filter through whether the resource aligns with our key practice principles as OTs. When this happens, it’s easy to lose sight of why you’re searching for a resource in the first place.
The OT Resource Hub Is Here To Help!!
This is my why behind the OT Resource Hub: to make it easier to find and choose resources that align with OT practice. We review each resource to ensure it fits within an OT lens and supports key practice principles. While a resource doesn’t have to be created by an OT to align with our scope (though it helps!), the OTRH cuts down on the filtering for you - providing the tools you need in one convenient place.
How Do I Choose A Resource?
The OT Resource Hub takes the first step out of your decision making - the question of “does this align to my scope of practice?”.
The next steps are for your own clinical reasoning:
👉 Identify the goal
Does this resource align with the goals your clients are working toward?
👉 Match the goal to the evidence
What does research or best practice suggest helps with this goal? What strategies have you used with this client (or similar clients)? Remember: evidence-based practice isn’t only about peer-reviewed journal articles - it’s also your knowledge, experience, and strengths as a clinician.
👉 Evaluate the resource:
Ask yourself:
- Does it align with the goal and evidence?
- Can you think of at least one client to use it with?
- From the preview and description, do you understand what the resource does and how to use it?
- Can you adapt it to meet your client’s needs?
👉 Reflect
After using the resource, ask yourself:
- Did it achieve the intended outcome?
- How could I modify it for the future?
Red Flags In Resources
Red flags help us to recognise when something might not be a good fit for us. Here are my top resource red flags.
🚩 Doesn’t match OT practice principles
You won’t find these on the OT Resource Hub - every resource is screened by an OT (hi, that’s me!). Expect a broad range of resources, but know each aligns with OT values.
🚩 Not neurodiverse-affirming
Resources that are deficit-focused or don’t put individuality and strengths first go in the virtual bin.
🚩 Rigid or hard to individualise
No two clients are the same. If a resource can’t be adapted for your caseload, it may not be the right fit - and that’s okay!
🚩 Complicated to use
Resources should make your life easier. If using it requires your client to learn a new system before learning the skill itself, rethink it.
🚩 You cannot clinically reason its purpose
If you can’t identify why a resource serves a clinical purpose, it probably isn’t the right fit. Remember: no golden tickets.
These red flags don’t mean a resource is unusable - it just means you may need to adapt it. Awareness allows you to make effective changes in practice.
In Summary.. You Are In Charge
Maybe this is not what you wanted to hear? I’m going to tell you anyway.
YOU are the OT, and I bet you are a FABULOUS one!!
Only you know your skills and your clients. If your work bestie looks at your new favourite resource with a blank “Huh??” — no sweat! If it makes your life easier and supports your practice, that’s what counts.
If you want access to OT-screened, evidence-informed resources that save you time and align with clinical reasoning, check out the OT Resource Hub collections.