OT- 501 Theories and Methods

Occupational therapy

the goal of occupational therapy is to help people of all ages do the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities

Ontology

nature of humans, OT’s view of humankind, most real dimensions of life from OT perspective

Epistomology

What is knowledge in OT, what is the nature of human knowledge, and how do we know things?

Axiology

the study of values, ethics, doing the right things

OT Core values

Altruism, Equality, Freedom, Justice, Dignity, Truthfulness, Prudence

Altruism

opposite of selfishness; unselfish concern for others; do unto others

Equality

 impartiality; respecting individual differences

Freedom

right to exercise “choice”; we nurture, we DO NOT control

Justice

we abide by laws ; respect legal rights of the client

Dignity

respect uniqueness of each client (empathy, respect)

Thruthfulness

Accountable, honest, accurate, professionally competent

Prudence

demonstrating sound judgment, care, and discretion (OT Code of Ethics); thinking before acting (foresight/insight); considering consequences of one’s actions

Occupational Form

the preexisting structure that elicits, guides, or structures subsequent human performance

Occupational Performace

the human actions taken in response to an occupational form

Assumptions

In science, refers to ideas that really cannot be definitively proven true or false, for example, the idea that people have an inherent drive for mastery of their environment.

Beliefs

Something that is accepted, considered to be true, or held as an opinion

Philosophy

a conscious framework of assumptions and beliefs that guides actions and (b) a mode of thinking that actively relies on the framework for processing and responding to experience, while remaining open to continuous refinement of the framework.

Methodology

A general approach to practice

families

groups of people who identify as family, who share emotional, biological, or cultural ties, and who participate in shared family occupations

family occupation

every meaningful activity and shared experience of family members during daily activities and special events

family-related occupations

central to an individuals role within their family

ex: parenting activities

ableism

the oppression that disabled people experience

sanism

discrimination against people who are thought to be mentally ill or insane

outcomes

Measurable result(s) or consequence(s) of an intervention or other factors.

evidence

Knowledge gained through systematic appraisal of experience and of scientific studies.

success in OT process require 3 things:

Client centered approach

Therapeutic use of self 

Activity analysis

therapeutic use of self

A practitioner’s intuitive nature that derives from one’s personality traits, self-awareness, and personal experiences; understanding of human behavior; and observations. The practitioner makes conscious use of this nature to engage and impact a therapeutic relationship and foster a meaningful experience for the client

3 steps in OT process

evaluation, intervention, outcomes

activity demands

What is typically required to carry out the activity regardless of the client and context

occupational demands

What is required by the specific client to carry out an occupation

steps to the evaluation process (x3)

Occupational profile

Analysis of occupational performance

Synthesize information to determine targeted outcomes

AOTA OT vision

Achieving health, well-being, and participation in life through engagement in occupation

biomechanical model

Therapeutic intervention focused on improving body movement and strength; typically identified with remediation or improvements in strength, range of motion, or endurance.