What does OPM mean in THERAPY

The Occupational Performance Model (OPM) is an evidence-based framework developed by occupational therapists to support people in achieving their goals, improving their performance, and increasing their quality of life. It takes a holistic approach by considering the person’s individual context and environment, alongside their capabilities and interests.

OPM has three core components – occupational engagement, performance skills, and environmental factors. Occupational engagement includes activities that give purpose or meaning to a person’s life. It includes hobbies, leisure activities, work-related activities, self-care routines, etc. Performance skills include the knowledge and abilities required to complete occupations successfully. Environment factors encompass physical surroundings, access to resources, social relationships with family or friends that influence a person’s ability to engage in occupations successfully.

OPM stands out from other models because it takes into account not only medical factors but also psychological and social elements. It focuses on how individuals can be empowered to discover meaningful occupation through skill development and environmental mastery rather than focusing solely on remedial treatments or symptom management strategies. In addition, OPM places greater emphasis on activity than disability which allows for more positive outcomes when working with clients or patients.

OPM encourages client-centred practice as it views each individual as an expert in what works best for them in terms of engaging in daily occupations within that particular context they are living with at present; this likely being different for each individual even if they have similar goals or disabilities. This allows for intervention strategies from an occupational therapist to be tailored more specifically towards that person's needs which can lead to better outcomes overall due to increased motivation felt by the client/patient and higher levels of engagement due to stronger commitment towards activity performance over time due to relevance felt by that particular individual.

When assessing somebody using the OPM model occupational therapists may use a variety of data sources such as interviews with clients or their caregivers; direct observations during assessments; review of existing records such as medical reports or past intervention notes; psychometric assessments such as IQ tests; functional capacity evaluations; adaptive behaviour scales; functional examinations such as range of motion tests etc.; physical measurements such as ROM/strength score ratings etc.; and other relevant livelihood information resources like job advertisements etc.. Through this variety of assessment methods occupational therapists can gain a holistic understanding of a person’s environment & abilities before deciding on appropriate interventions which is crucial for successful outcomes within the scope of practice supported by the OPM model.

One way goal setting is used within treatment plans derived from principles associated with OPM is through SMART objectives - specific measurable attainable realistic timescale orientated goals designed collaboratively between therapist & patient/client to ensure there is shared responsibility across both parties creating an enhanced sense accountability throughout the therapeutic process which encourages commitment & improved motivation among those involved thus leading increased success rate achieved in relation predefined goals set out through SMART objective framework.

Progress made when following treatment plans originated from principles within guidelines provided by Occupational Performance Model (OPM) framework revolves around setting up meaningful outcome measures which could involve assessments conducted directly relating towards diagnosis made or further tests done focused on capability scores associated with performance skills identified through initial assessment stages used when introducing individualised approach supported by model design premised off its core components – occupational engagement alongside environment factors & performance skills previously mentioned above.