Performance-Based Tests of Functional Cognition
Presented by Meghan Doherty
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Occupational therapy practitioners frequently encounter clients whose cognitive impairments are not captured by traditional screening tools. This course explores performance-based tests (PBTs) as essential tools for assessing functional cognition—the cognitive processes involved in real-world daily tasks. Participants will examine the characteristics and clinical utility of PBTs, such as the Executive Function Performance Test – enhanced (EFPT-e) and Weekly Calendar Planning Activity (WCPA), and learn how to select the most appropriate tool based on client needs, context, and evaluation goals. The course also addresses how client awareness, including metacognition and insight, impacts test performance and interpretation. Designed for OT practitioners working in inpatient, outpatient, or community settings, this course equips learners with actionable strategies to integrate performance-based testing into functional cognition evaluation and treatment planning.
Learning Outcomes
- Examine existing performance-based tests (PBTs) of functional cognition (FC) in adults and their relevance to assessing performance in daily occupations
- Complete a case study for PBT selection, including client factors, setting, and test characteristics
- Analyze the impact of client awareness of functional cognition on PBT completion and how PBTs inform therapists’ knowledge of awareness
Meet your instructor
Meghan Doherty
Dr. Meghan Doherty has been learning, working, and researching with individuals across the lifespan with neurological and functional cognitive conditions since 2008. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Truman State University, and a Master (2008), and Doctorate (2016) degrees in occupational therapy from Washington…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Introduction to Performance-Based Testing of Functional Cognition
This chapter defines performance-based testing within the framework of functional cognition, distinguishing it from traditional neurocognitive assessments. Participants will learn how to transition from screening results to the selection of a performance-based assessment, guided by clinical reasoning and the Cognitive Functional Evaluation model. The chapter emphasizes the ecological validity of these tools and their relevance in understanding occupational performance.
2. Administering Performance-Based Tests
This chapter provides an in-depth look at two validated performance-based assessments: the Executive Function Performance Test – enhanced (EFPT-e) and the Weekly Calendar Planning Activity (WCPA). Through case-based examples, clinicians will learn about administration and scoring. Practical strategies for overcoming common barriers to implementation are also discussed.
3. The Impact of Awareness
In this chapter, learners will explore how client awareness and metacognitive abilities influence performance on functional cognitive assessments. Models of awareness are introduced to help clinicians evaluate levels of insight and adapt interventions accordingly. The chapter explains how performance-based testing can reveal discrepancies between perceived and actual ability, supporting more targeted and effective therapeutic approaches.
