A Variety of factors influence occupational performance

People participate in daily occupations in many settings and in a variety of ways. They also hold different feelings, beliefs, expectations, standards, and abilities that influence their performance. Additionally they organize and prioritize activities in many ways. OT practitioners analyze the numer- ous systems and factors that contribute to occupational performance.

OT practitioners analyze the systems and factors affecting a person’s ability to engage in occupations. They examine the client’s biologic, psychologic, sociocultural, and spiritual sta- tus to identify systems that support or interfere with the person’s ability to complete the occupation. They analyze performance skills such as motor, social, cognitive, and emo- tional to determine the client’s strengths and challenges. They examine the client’s body structures to determine whether there are structural limitations interfering with performance. They also evaluate body functions such as range of motion, vision, hearing, and balance. All of these factors influence the client’s ability to engage in the occupations.

OT practitioners analyze the requirements of the occupa- tion within the context (e.g., social, environmental, digital, cultural, attitudinal, and political) in which the occupation occurs for the client. They consider the client’s life experi- ences along with the demands and characteristics of the occupation. OT practitioners acknowledge that all systems and factors influence each other and may change, which influences occupational performance.

For example, a client’s life situation, background, motiva- tions, resources, and history influence how they engage in daily activities. Cognitive, physical, social, and emotional factors affect choices and participation in occupations. A person’s biological, psychological, sociocultural, and spiritual backgrounds change their occupational choices and perfor- mance. The physical, digital, social, and cultural contexts of occupations alter occupational performance. OT practitio- ners examine the entirety of factors shaping occupational engagement. The ability to analyze the factors influencing occupational performance is a hallmark of OT. OT practitio- ners treating only the body (or parts of the body) or only the mind are not following the profession’s commitment to holism. In such cases, the client is denied one of the exceptional aspects of OT: the holistic approach.