Functional assessment occupational therapy (FAOT) is a process used by occupational therapists to assess how a person functions in everyday life. This includes looking at the person’s skills, abilities, and limitations. FAOT can help identify areas of difficulty and determine the best course of treatment. Three main points are typically assessed during functional assessment: occupation, environment, and participation.
Occupation refers to all a person’s daily activities, including work, leisure, and self-care. The therapist will assess the person’s ability to perform these activities and identify any areas of difficulty.
The environment includes both the physical and social aspects of the person’s surroundings. The therapist will evaluate how well the person can function in their current environment and make recommendations for changes if needed.
Participation refers to the extent to which a person can participate in life activities. This includes things like work, school, community involvement, and recreation. The therapist will assess the person’s level of participation and identify any barriers preventing them from fully participating in life.
How does this work?
Functional assessment occupational therapy is an individualized process unique to each person. The therapist will consider the person’s specific goals and needs when developing the assessment.
Three main areas are assessed in functional assessment occupational therapy: the environment, participation, and how this impacts the person’s occupation.
The therapist will use various methods to assess each of these areas. This may include observations, interviews, questionnaires, and standardized assessments. The information gathered during the functional assessment will be used to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to the individual’s needs.
What are the benefits?
Functional assessment occupational therapy can provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors that are impacting a person’s ability to participate in their occupation. This information can be used to develop an individualized treatment plan that targets specific areas of need.
Functional assessment occupational therapy can also monitor a person’s progress over time and modify their treatment plan as needed.
What are the requirements?
A functional assessment occupational therapist will need a detailed understanding of the individual’s medical history, current symptoms, and functional abilities. They will also need to be familiar with the individual’s occupation and how their condition impacts it.
The functional assessment occupational therapist must also communicate effectively with the individual and their family or carers.
Discussing your goals and expectations with your therapist if you are considering functional assessment occupational therapy is important. They will be able to provide you with more information about what the process involves and how it can benefit you.
If you or someone you know is struggling with occupational performance, functional assessment occupational therapy may be beneficial. Contact your local occupational therapist to learn more.
