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.

The OTPF and Its Influence on OT Practice

The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF) lays the foundation for how occupational therapists are expected to perform. The OTPF introduces a top-down approach that focuses on the client as a person instead of labeling the client as a disability. Looking at a client with this top-down approach improves the way occupational therapists assist the client. By allowing the client to tell about their roles and occupations before their disability, the occupational therapist is able to provide more holistic care. As guided by the OTPF, occupational therapists use the occupations that are meaningful to the client to provide treatment for their disability. In short, the OTPF provides a unique core for occupational therapy and the care therapists give.