Clinical utility of the Handicap Assessment and Resource Tool: an investigation of its use with the aged people in hospital

Aims: This article presents the findings of a qualitative study investigating the clinical utility of the Handicap Assessment and Resource Tool (HART). Clinicians' perceptions of the HART were explored in its use in acute hospital settings in a regional health service in New South Wales, Australia. Methods and results: The study, which used in-depth structured interviews with clinicians working in acute aged care, identified key themes, which point to an overall positive perception of the HART's clinical utility. The themes, identified through thematic analysis were: responses to structural features of the HART; processes of administration; perceived benefits for clients; and clinical utility in context. The article concludes with recommendations for the assessment of aged people in acute hospitals and the need for occupational therapists to continue analysing and establishing the clinical utility of the profession's assessment tools. Conclusion: The findings of the study support the clinical utility of the HART when used with aged people in acute care settings. Overall, though participants found it time consuming to administer, they judged the HART to be a context sensitive tool that addressed the complex needs of their patients.