Occupational Analysis Ch1: What is Activity Analysis? (objectives)

Define Activity Analysis

a. Activity analysis is defined as the process used by OT practitioners which "addresses the typical demands of an activity, the range of skills involved in its performance, and the various cultural meanings that might be ascribed to it". b. OT practitioners have a unique and holistic perspective to activity analysis as a fundamental component of their practice. The OT perspective not only looks at how an activity might e typically done but how it is done and experienced by an individual, examining the internal and external influences on performance.

Distinguish the differences between occupations, activities and tasks.

a. Occupations are "personalized" activities - activities that hold personal meaning and contexts for a particular person. Occupation is more 'complex' that an activity. Occupation implies there is a personal context that is important to the individual performing the occupation. b. An ACTIVITY is something that is just done, without the client in mind. c. A TASK in step in the process of doing an activity.

Describe the difference between occupation-based activity analysis and activity analysis.

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Understand how the ICF and the WHO influence the OTPF.

Prior to 1998, OT practitions used "Uniform Terminology - III", but was used ONLY by OT. and was not recognized by other professions. A committee was formed and they decided that instead of revising a document that only defined terminology, they created a new document using the WHO's International Classification of FUnction, Disability and Health (ICF). The ICF was developed to provide a common language for health care across the globe. WHO is the leader and coordinator of global health-related issues within the United Nations.

List the steps included in the activity analysis process.

Step one: Define the activity Step two: List the steps of the activity Step three: Define the objects, properties, space and social demands Step four: Define the required body functions Step five: List the required body structures. Step six: Define the performance skills Step seven: Analysis for intervention

Explain how the OTPF is utilized as a basis for understanding activity analysis.

The OTPF did more than define terminology for the profession of OT by establishing a clear definition of our domain of practice, as well as the process in which OT practice occurs. The OTPF demonstrates the complexity of everyday activities and how each component works together to allow for participation in meaningful activities. It provides a foundation for activity analysis

Describe how activity analysis is utilized by OT practitioners.

a. Being able to analyze the meaningful activities (the occupations) of our client's lives is essential to every aspect of our practice. The OTPF describes the domain and process in which OT occurs. The OT process is describes as involving evaluation, intervention and outcomes, which are continuously occurring throughout the intervention process. b. Analyzing activities becomes instinctive and second nature to seasoned practitioners, as it is a part of understanding each client, establishing goals, creating interventions, and determining outcomes. c. The information from an activity analysis provides essential information: - - Identifies needed equipment, materials, space and time. - - Provides a knowledge base for instructing others by outlining each step and how it is done. - - Gives information on how an activity might be therapeutic and for whom. - - Helps to grade or adapt the activity to allow for greater success. - - Gives specifics for clear documentation. - - Assists in discovering how contexts influence performance of an occupation. - - Helps to select appropriate activities and find the "Just right challenge" - - Identifies areas in which the client needs help and intervention

Identify why occupational therapy (OT) practitioners utilize occupations and the goal of intervention as well as the method by which to reach those goals.

a. Our goal as OT practitioners is to be able to analyze the activities that bring meaning to our patients lives, called occupations. We use occupations (and activities) as not only our end goal but as our means by which to meet that end goal; thus, occupations and activities are "our tools". b. No other profession can claim to use occupations as their therapeutic modality as we do. We use occupations or meaningful activities as intervention because we understand the greater benefit of using activities that are meaningful versus other techniques or approaches. The benefits or rewards are often hidden behind the "normalcy" of everyday activities. c. Some of the "benefits" of using occupations as the center of our intervention: 1) allows clients to achieve mastery in the environment and slows them to feel that they have some sense of control. 2) Engaging in occupations often results in something that the client can either see or feel. They see or feel the result of their activities and can result in a sense of accomplishment. 3) Engaging in a meaningful activities will often help the client go farther and longer toward a goal than other methods. If the attention is on the goal or the enjoyment of the process, then the client may become "engaged" and lost in participating in the activity. 4) Occupations allow for greater transference toward the client's goals. There is greater occurrence of generalization. 5) Engaging in occupations requires a coordination of different skills and body systems. A patient might be working on upper body strength, range of motion, proprioception and the skills of stabilization, reaching, coordination, manipulation grip, handling objects, sequencing, spatial organization and accommodation of movements when completing and occupation. 6) By engaging in occupations, the client receives immediate feedback on performance.

Identify the current definitions of occupations.

a. per Websters dictionary: 1) The principal activity in your life that you do to earn money; 2) The control of a country my military forces of a foreign power; 3) Any activity that occupies a person's attention; 4) The act of occupying or taking possession of a building. b. Medical dictionary definition: An ordinary, everyday goal-directed pursuit. Wlthough the term is often used interchangeably with "vocation" the latter is the preferred term for paid employment.: c. AOTA defines occupation as "activities...of everyday life, named, organized and given value and meaning by individuals and a culture. Occupation is everything people do to occupy themselves, including looking after themselves...enjoying life...and contributing to the social and economic fabric of their communities." d. Given this definition (c), occupations are more than just activities; they are the activities that give our lives meaning.