Naturalistic decision-making task processes in multiprofessional assessment of disability

Abstract

Evaluation of preschool children with complex disabilities is regarded as a group

decision-making process. This process was studied in two tertiary-level multiprofessional groups in London, UK: one based in a neurodisability center and one organized by a school psychological service. The assessment discussions about two preschool children at each site were audio recorded. Each assessment was carried out

over half a day by all the professionals simultaneously with the family. Postassessment interviews were held with each professional and family. Verbal protocol analysis captured the structure of each assessment through six TASK decision-making

processes applied at three levels of reasoning and decision making. Sequential application of processes was found to be influenced by the occurrence of a series of

three cycles of decision making within each assessment and the decomposition of the assessment task into distinct subproblems.