Eclectic Application of Theoretical Models in Occupational Therapy: Impact on Therapeutic Reasoning

Abstract

We investigated the impact of an eclectic framework for combining theoretical conceptual practice models on occupational therapists’ theoretical reasoning using concurrent mixed methods with repeated measures and grounded theory designs. Study participants (n?=?9) attended two workshops to review select occupational therapy theoretical conceptual practice models and learn how to use the eclectic framework. We assessed skills in eclectic combination of theoretical conceptual practice models using the Theory Application Assessment Instrument. The skills improved significantly χ²(2, 9) = 7.09, p = .02], a finding that was corroborated by the qualitative findings indicating that the eclectic framework may potentially help improve theoretical reasoning among occupational therapists.