OT Models: Applying theories in practice

The OT process is when we apply the theories of occupation in an ordered way to a practical situation. Many different models of the OT process have been developed, and they each attempt to guide a therapist through the stages of applying occupational theory to a practical client situation. Some models may be more useful in particular situations or with particular clients than others.

Part of the artistry of an being an OT, and the difference between being a technician and a professional, is being able to adopt a holistic approach and use a model most appropriate to the individual client’s unique blend of problems in order to achieve a positive outcome. Technicians follow instruction in order to carry out processes whereas professionals use a blend of artistry with science to determine the best model and interventions for each unique patient.

Oshawott: The pokemon otter’s process through the game

Some examples of OT process models are below:

• PEOP   Person-Environment-Occupational Performance
• CMOP-E  Canadian Model of Occupational Performance & Engagement
• MOHO   Model of Human Occupation
• MoCA  Model of Creative Ability
• Biopsychosocial model
• Max Neef model
• Capability approach
• Medical model
• Kawa (river)  model
• Social disability model
• European Conceptual Framework for Occupational Therapy
• EHP  Ecology of Human Performance
• OA   Occupational Adaptation model
• OPM(A)  Occupational−Performance Model (Australia)

Therapeutic use of self

You may have come across the term before, you may not, but if you’re an OT you’ve probably utilised it without realising already. Therapeutic use of self  is a useful technique employed by occupational therapists in order to engage clients and therefore illicit a better outcome during the OT process. Essentially it’s being aware of yourself (your verbal language, body language, which personal information you choose to share…) when you’re interacting with a client, and using your own personality  & interpersonal skills in order to build rapport and ultimately make the client feel at ease, motivated, and  that they can trust you.

Making a connection

In order to use yourself therapeutically, you must first be aware of your interactions with a client to then be able to adapt them to suit the style of the client. It can be useful to consider some models in order to structure your thoughts, and provide guidance for an occupational therapy student who is just beginning to reflect on their own therapeutic style.

Taylor (2008) has recently proposed the Intentional Relationship model, which categorises the six therapeutic modes -or types of client-therapist interactions- into six categories.

The modes in the  Intentional Relationship model (IRM) are:

Article review: “The Model of Human Occupation’s usefulness in relation to sustainable development” by Wagman (2014)

This article considers the role occupational therapy can play in sustaining earth’s resources, and what the barriers to people recycling may be. The ability to carry out an occupation can be impacted by climate change, and occupations themselves can also affect climate change by either contributing to or helping preventing it.

Where acceptable to the client, occupational therapists should encourage occupations to be achieved using environmentally sound methods. The  occupational therapist may need to work with professionals who have knowledge int his area since it not an area of expertise for OTs themselves. The authors suggest using the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) as a good starting framework for occupational therapists who wish to incorporate an environmental perspective in their interventions.

Some aspects of MOHO and the ways they influence sustainable practice are: