Screening Functional Cognition
Presented by Meghan Doherty
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Many commonly used cognitive screening tools in clinical practice fail to capture how cognitive impairments impact everyday functional performance. This course explores the concept of functional cognition, defined as the ability to use cognitive processes during daily activities, and presents a practical framework for screening it in adult clients. Occupational therapy practitioners will examine the difference between general cognitive and performance-based assessment, learn how to administer and interpret a valid functional cognition screening tool, and understand the complementary role of self-report and proxy-report measures. Designed for occupational therapy practitioners across a variety of adult care settings—including acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient services—this course equips clinicians with efficient, evidence-based screening strategies to identify when a more comprehensive evaluation is warranted.
Learning Outcomes
- Examine existing screening measures for cognition in adults and their relevance for identifying occupational performance challenges in adults
- Administer a functional cognitive screening measure suitable for adults in clinical practice
- Interpret the results of a functional cognitive screening measure to inform next steps in occupational therapy evaluation
- Correlate self-report screening tools with appropriate client and setting characteristics
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 Screening Functional Cognition (FC)
In this chapter clinicians will learn how screening fits into the broader cognitive functional evaluation process and about the role of awareness and metacognition in assessment outcomes. It introduces functional cognition as a top-down construct that integrates cognitive processes within real-world occupational performance. It differentiates functional cognition from general cognitive assessments and emphasizes the importance of context in evaluating cognitive function.
2. The Menu Task
This chapter provides an in-depth overview of the Menu Task, a quick, valid, and occupationally relevant screening tool for functional cognition. Clinicians will learn how to administer the Menu Task, interpret its scoring, and use client self-reflection to assess awareness. Case-based examples demonstrate how to integrate findings from the Menu Task into clinical decision-making and next steps in evaluation and treatment planning.
3. Self-Report (SR) Measures of Functional Cognition
This chapter explores self-report and proxy-report tools that capture a client’s and care partner’s or clinician’s perception of their cognitive functioning. It discusses the benefits and limitations of these tools, including how client awareness can affect results. Clinicians will be introduced to recommended measures and practical strategies for implementation, interpretation, and documentation to support a comprehensive understanding of functional cognition.
