Overview
This lecture covers step 1 of determining what is being analyzed in occupational therapy, focusing on occupational categories, definitions, and initial steps for analysis based on the OTPF-4 framework.
Purpose and Significance of Areas of Occupation
- The Areas of Occupation section in OTPF-4 clarifies scope, guides practitioners, provides examples, uses universal terminology, and aids assessment.
- Understanding occupation categories helps clarify OT practice and guides assessment and intervention focus.
Categories of Occupation in OTPF-4
- OTPF-4 defines nine main occupation categories: ADLs, IADLs, health management, rest/sleep, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation.
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
- ADLs involve taking care of one’s own body.
- ADL categories: bathing/showering, toileting, dressing, eating/swallowing, feeding, mobility, hygiene/grooming, sexual activity.
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)
- IADLs are complex activities supporting life at home and in the community.
- IADL categories: home management, care of others/pets, child rearing, meal prep, spiritual expression, communication, safety, shopping, community mobility, financial management.
Other Major Occupation Categories
- Health management: developing, managing, and maintaining health routines.
- Rest and sleep: includes rest, preparation, and participation.
- Education: formal enrollment and informal learning.
- Work: covers job interests, performance, retirement, and volunteering.
- Play: intrinsically motivated, freely chosen activities.
- Leisure: nonobligatory, intrinsically motivated, discretionary-time activities.
- Social participation: community, family, friendships, partner relationships, peer groups.
Step 1: Determining What to Analyze
- Choose the occupation or activity for analysis.
- Decide if it’s an occupational or activity analysis and break down large tasks if needed.
- Activities with more than 20–25 steps or multiple criteria may need subdivision.
Case Example: Ryan
- Ryan has difficulties using his left side, attention, and communication due to cognitive issues.
- Knowing Ryan’s past interests (socializing, cars, sports) helps tailor therapy to address his social and recreational needs.
Additional Analysis Considerations
- Sleep is considered an occupation due to its impact on health and daily function.
- Community mobility encompasses how individuals navigate their environments for daily participation.
- Identifying the occupation category clarifies intervention focus and ensures comprehensive care.
Key Terms & Definitions
- OTPF-4 — Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, 4th Edition; defines scope and categories in OT.
- Occupation — Meaningful daily activities or tasks.
- ADLs — Activities involving personal self-care.
- IADLs — Complex activities supporting independent living at home/community.
- Health management — Activities for maintaining health and wellness.
- Feeding — The act of getting food into the mouth.
- Eating — The process of consuming food, from chewing to swallowing.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the nine OTPF-4 occupation categories and subcategories.
- Practice categorizing given activities into the correct OTPF-4 domains.
- Prepare to analyze an occupation or activity by breaking it into manageable steps.