The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure: its use with clients with schizophrenia

Abstract

This study was conducted with nine clients who were referred to a community-based occupational therapy service with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Data were collected before and after each individual had undertaken a 12-week period of occupational therapy intervention. Clients' self-perceived level of performance and satisfaction with this performance were recorded using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Their initial self-perceived occupational performance problems were also recorded using the Community Occupational Therapy Initial Assessment (COTIA). At the time of reassessment, information from the COTIA was compared with documentary evidence of client change as reflected in therapists' reports and/or discharge letters. Both tools identified a similar range of client-perceived occupational performance problems. In addition, the COPM showed a clinically significant and quantifiable change in client performance and satisfaction over time. Despite the limited nature of this study, these findings suggest that the COPM may be a useful tool for occupational therapists to use with individuals who have schizophrenia in a community setting.