A tool to enhance occupational therapy reasoning from ICF perspective: The Hasselt Occupational Performance Profile (H-OPP)

Abstract

Background: In order to enhance occupational therapy reasoning in clinical practice, different elements such as client-centred approach, evidence-based care and interdisciplinary work should be taken into account, but is a challenge.

Aim: To describe the development of the digital Hasselt Occupational Performance Profile (H-OPP^©) that enhances occupational therapy reasoning from ICF perspective.

Method: A participative qualitative design was used to create the H-OPP^© in an iterative way in which occupational therapy lectures, ICF experts, students and occupational therapists in the field were involved.

Results: After linking occupational therapy terminology to the ICF, different stages of the H-OPP were identified and elaborated with main features: generating an occupational performance profile based on inventarization of problems and possibilities, formulating an occupational performance diagnosis and enabling to create an intervention plan. In all stages, both the perspectives of the client and the occupational therapist were taken into account. To increase practical use, the tool was further elaborated and digitalized.

Conclusion: The H-OPP^© is a digital coach that guides and facilitates professional reasoning in (novice) occupational therapists. It augments involvement of the client system. Furthermore, it enhances interdisciplinary communication and evidence-based care.

Keywords:

• Professional reasoning
• ICF
• occupational therapy models
• occupational performance
• tool

Acknowledgements

We like to thank all the colleagues of the OT program for their advice and help in the development of the H-OPP^©. We also would like to thank the occupational therapists and other healthcare workers in the different settings and the students for their participation in this project.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.