OT Theory: Frames of Reference

One of the aspects of OT theory is Frames of Reference.  It is essential for an occupational therapist to choose a frame of reference by which they treat their clients.  Many frames of references used by occupational therapists are client-centered.  These frames of references allow an occupational therapist to see and treat their client with a holistic view.  By first seeing the client and the roles they fit into and how the environment shapes them, a better treatment can be given by the occupational therapist.  Some of the frames of reference models in occupational therapy include the Person-Occupation-Environment model (PEO), the Person-Occupation-Environment-Performance model (PEOP), and the KAWA model.  Each of these describe a slightly different way of breaking down the aspects of a person's life. The visual for the PEO is a three bubble Venn Diagram of person, occupation, environment, and these overlap to form occupational performance.  The PEOP model is similar to the PEO but it includes intrinsic factors like motivation. The KAWA model is illustrated by a river impacted by factors such as obstacles and attributes of a person illustrated by rocks and driftwood.  Each of these take into account the person, their roles, their barriers, and the environment around them.  Following a frame of reference helps therapists see these important qualities and use them to give a "just right" treatment for their clients.