An Evaluation of the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure in Mental Health Practice

Abstract

The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) is a client-centred outcome measure designed for use by occupational therapists to demonstrate change in a client's self-perception of occupational performance over the course of occupational therapy. A review of the literature indicated that there had been limited research into the use of the COPM in mental health practice. The aim of this study was to formulate an occupational therapy assessment form based on the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and incorporating the COPM and to evaluate its effectiveness in mental health practice. A qualitative approach was used in this two-phase study with seven occupational therapists working in mental health practice. First, semi-structured interviews were completed to gain occupational therapists' reflections on the use of the COPM. Headings were then collated to devise an occupational therapy assessment form that incorporated the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and the COPM. The second phase involved piloting the form in a variety of mental health settings. The form was evaluated by a second interview to highlight the factors that facilitated or hindered the use of the form in mental health practice. This study indicates that the combination of the COPM with other assessment categories based on the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance has produced an occupational therapy assessment form that can be used in mental health practice.