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.