Choice, Knowledge, and Utilization of a Practice Theory: A National Study of Occupational Therapists Who Use the Model of Human Occupation

Abstract

Objective. To identify how therapists choose and use the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO). Method. A systematic random sample of 1,000 occupational therapists was surveyed as to whether they used MOHO in their practice. Those who were using MOHO were then sent a detailed questionnaire; 259 therapists responded to the survey questionnaire, forming a response rate of 60.2 percent. Results. A total of 80.7% of therapists indicated that they had used MOHO in their practice. A number of factors influenced therapists' choice to use MOHO. The most frequently cited factors were therapists' judgment that MOHO fit their own practice philosophy and their clients' needs. Most therapists used multiple means of learning about MOHO, and the number of means they used was related to both self-reported levels of knowledge and utilization of this model. Many therapists are also actively engaged in sharing their knowledge and utilization of this model. Conclusion. Multiple factors contribute to therapists' choice and use of MOHO. Therapists actively make a decision to use MOHO in practice and put forth substantial efforts to learn and share their knowledge of MOHO.

Achieving Best Practice: A Review of Evidence Linked to Occupation-Focused Practice Models

“…A number of studies have also examined how the MOHO is used in practice and how it influences clinical reasoning. (e.g., Apte, Kielhofner, Paul-Ward, & Braveman, 2005;Durand, Vachon, Loisel, & Berthelette, 2003;Lee, Taylor, & Kielhofner, 2009;Tham & Kielhofner, 2003). There are a number of publications that describe how the MOHO is used to develop, implement, and monitor interventions with a range of client populations and in a variety of settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, residential facilities, nursing homes, rehabilitation programs, work programs, prisons and correctional settings, and community-based organizations (e.g., Braveman, 2001;Kahlin & Haglund, 2009;Levin & Helfrich, 2004;Melton et al, 2008;Taylor & Kielhofner, 2003).…”

Comparing and Using Occupation-Focused Models

“…Factors affecting the clinical application of occupational concepts, models, and interventions include the therapist's lack of understanding of theoretical concepts as well as a lack of consensus and consistency in the use of the these concepts (Lee et al, 2009;Nelson, 1996;Wood, 1996). Detailed discussions have appeared in the literature concerning the nuance of occupational concepts, such as the differences between occupation-focused, occupation-centered and occupation-based (Fisher, 2013).…”

Impact of using the Model of Human Occupation: A survey of occupational therapy mental health practitioners' perceptions

“…Evidence indicates that the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) (1) is the most widely used occupation-focused model nationally and internationally (2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8). This uptake positively mirrors the emphasis on the occupation-focused practice that reflects the profession's core during past decades (9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15).…”

“…The fact that it has been around longer than other models may account for its uptake in practice. Studies also indicate that OTs value the holistic approach of MOHO, its client-centered focus, and the ease with which other practice models can be incorporated along with this model (6,18).…”

“…Research indicates that therapists find this model and its resources useful for practice (5,6). In a national sample survey study in the United States, Lee, Taylor, and Kielhofner (5,6) found that therapists perceived that MOHO influenced their practice in three aspects. These included client-centered practice, treatment planning and monitoring, and professional identity and practice.…”