A framework for combining theoretical conceptual practice models in occupational therapy practice

Abstract

Background: Occupational therapists find it difficult to use theoretical conceptual practice models to guide practice because no single model can address all of a client's occupational performance issues.

Purpose: This paper presents a proposed framework for combining conceptual practice models to guide both collaborative assessment and intervention planning to address clients' occupational performance issues. The framework was designed as a tool not only to help therapists use theoretical models more easily, but also to help them better defend their intervention decisions.

Key issues: The framework provides a systematic method of combining a variety of theoretical conceptual practice models to address a client's issues more comprehensively thereby making theory appealing to therapists.

Implications: The framework may be useful in helping occupational therapists combine multiple theoretical models to address clients' occupational performance issues and in defending their clinical decisions effectively.