The clinical utility of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure in vocational rehabilitation: A qualitative study among occupational therapists in Slovenia

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Švajger, Andreja^{a; *} | Piškur, Barbara^b

Affiliations: [a] University Rehabilitation Institute, Republic of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia | [b] Faculty of Health and Care, Centre of Research Autonomy and Participation for Persons with a Chronic Illness & Department of Occupational Therapy, Zuyd University, Heerlen, the Netherlands

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Andreja Švajger, University Rehabilitation Institute, Republic of Slovenia, Linhartova 51, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia. Tel.: +386 0 1 47 58 187; Fax: +386 0 1 43 72 070; E-mail: andreja.svajger@ir-rs.si.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Few studies exist on the clinical utility of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) in vocational rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore how Slovenian occupational therapists working in vocational rehabilitation, perceived the usefulness of the COPM in their everyday practice. METHODS: A qualitative study using two focus group discussions was conducted. The meaning condensation method was applied to analyze the data. RESULTS: Analysis revealed the following key themes: (1) the COPM facilitates collaboration with the client; (2) the COPM is a source of evidence and empowerment for occupational therapists; (3) the challenges that arise when using the COPM; (4) the use of COPM requires training; and (5) using the COPM results and understanding their meaning. CONCLUSIONS: The study reveals new insights into using the COPM results in occupational therapy, especially into the contextual factors that influence the meaning and importance of work for clients in vocational rehabilitation.

Keywords: Client-centered occupational therapy, empowerment, return to work, employment, occupation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162287

Journal: Work, vol. 54, no. 1, pp. 223-233, 2016