What task is most appropriate for COTA®s to perform under the supervision of an occupational therapist?

The task of conducting an in-home evaluation of adult clients' instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) is most appropriate for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) under the supervision of an occupational therapist. This is because COTAs are specifically trained to implement interventions and can assess clients' functional abilities in real-world settings, such as their homes. They have the skills necessary to observe and evaluate how clients perform everyday tasks, which is essential for understanding the client’s needs and developing effective treatment plans.

The role of a COTA involves working closely with occupational therapists to help execute treatments based on the therapy goals set for clients. While the occupational therapist is responsible for the overall assessment and development of the intervention plan, the COTA can effectively conduct evaluations within their scope of practice, provided they are under the supervision of the occupational therapist.

In contrast, conducting research on therapy techniques and designing therapy equipment generally requires a higher level of expertise and may fall outside the typical responsibilities of a COTA. Providing consultations to families may also be more aligned with the role of an occupational therapist, who is responsible for client education and addressing the needs of the family regarding therapy outcomes.