Exploration of the link between conceptual occupational therapy models and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

Abstract

Background and Aim: Because occupational therapy focuses on occupations and activities of daily living in the context of the environment, conceptual occupational therapy models might be closely related to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The purpose of this paper is to explore the link of conceptual occupational therapy models to the ICF. Methods and Results: A structured literature search was performed. The concepts on which the models are built were linked to the ICF categories and components according to 10 established linking rules. Three conceptual occupational therapy models were identified in the literature: the Model of Human Occupation, the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and the Occupational Performance Model (Australia). The majority of the concepts from the three models could be linked to the ICF. Conclusion: By applying the conceptual models, occupational therapists might add an additional perspective to multidisciplinary teams that use the ICF.