The clinical utility of the test of playfulness.

Occupational therapists' increased focus on play as an occupation has created a need for play assessments that reflect this perspective. This study examined the clinical utility of the recently developed Test of Playfulness (ToP) (Bundy, 1997a) when used with children with disabilities. Changes in the participant's views of the child, the therapy goals, and the intervention plans after using the ToP were explored. Fourteen paediatric occupational therapists assessed children using the ToP, completed a clinical utility questionnaire and attended a focus group. Participants found the ToP easy to administer and score, however some found interpreting the results difficult. The ToP highlights the interactions between the Child, activity and environment, and illustrates the child's strengths in his/her role as a player. The results suggest the ToP is a useful tool for assessing playfulness. Additional education and research is needed to provide further direction for intervention and incorporation into practice.