An exploration of the evidence-base for Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance to improve childhood occupational performance in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder.

This project will first explore the evidence for an intervention termed Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP). It is used in paediatric occupational therapy with children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and aims to facilitate improvement in childhood occupational performance. DCD is an impairment of motor skills whereby the planning and execution of controlled movements are compromised. Performance of many childhood occupations can prove challenging such as dressing, writing and playing. The impact of DCD can be far reaching, with academic attainment often reduced and social withdrawal and low self-esteem also common. Studies have found that DCD can persist into adolescence and adulthood. CO-OP intervention is a predominantly verbal approach which guides the child in development of strategies to help them achieve their chosen goals. These skills in strategy generation may then be carried into everyday life to help the child with tasks which they find difficult. The following literature review has found that the preliminary evidence for CO-OP intervention is positive. There are however notable limitations within the research and overall effectiveness has not been proven conclusively. A research study is proposed which aims to explore the views of paediatric occupational therapists in the United Kingdom on the use of CO-OP for children with DCD. A quantitative survey approach is outlined, utilising a self-completion questionnaire which will be mailed to a sample of paediatric occupational therapists. Information will be sought regarding current interventions used in treatment of DCD, the characteristics of the therapists who use CO-OP and the characteristics of the children for whom they perceive it to be effective.bsc_occunpub1750_ethesesunpu