Occupational Therapy Theoretical Models In Practice

Occupational therapy theories, model of practice and framework form the foundation on how practitioners build and shape clinical knowledge to help their clients. The most common occupational therapy theoretical models that I use in my practice setting are biomechanical, cognitive disability, motor control model, Person-Environment-Occupation model and neurodevelopmental model. In few instances, I have used functional group model. Over the years, our profession has seen a paradigm shift from medical model to client-centered approach. These various theoretical models are the basis for clinical reasoning to determine assessment, intervention that justification that supports occupational therapy practice. According to Kilhofner (2009), “theory provides insight into the nature and working of specific phenomena that must be dealt with in practice” (p.61). During graduate school, we were taught and exposed to model of practice and frameworks. …show more content…
The author sheds light on the challenges and significance on how conceptual theories and models in practice can provide clinical reasoning, determine appropriate assessment and intervention to facilitate change in client. I find this article particularly interesting as it highlights realistic challenges faced by practitioners in incorporating practice models in practice. The combined conceptual framework by Ikiugu (2007) proposes that a framework combining theoretical models would guide practitioners to derive clinical assessment, goal setting, intervention and outcomes which highlights all aspects of client’s occupational performance. In this way practitioners can perform their own analysis and reflect on clinical reasoning that impacts outcomes in clients. I may have subconsciously used this combined framework in practice to determine collaborative assessment and intervention to address clients’