Healthcare Research: The Behavior and Performance of an Individual

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Introduction

The behavior and performance of an individual are affected to a large extent by the individual’s interaction with the environment. An individual’s performance can only be understood through a particular context in which he or she operates. The context here means the social, cultural, and physical features that function externally to an individual. This means that interaction between an individual and context determines the tasks that fall within his or her performance range. Disability in function is usually seen as an interaction between contextual factors and health conditions. Ecology of Human Performance provides a framework in which the relationship between important factors in the practice of occupational therapy, these are “context, person, tasks, and performance” (Dunn et.al., 1994 p. 1), and the therapeutic interventions are investigated.

Case Study

In this case study, Mrs. Fuller suffers from low bone mass and a loss in the tissues of the bones, a condition known as osteoporosis that causes weak bones. We are told that Mrs. Fuller operates between their apartment in the city and the country home that is 3 hours drive from the city. She is a retired librarian who now accompanies her husband on business trips. She manages both homes, and she is also a volunteer at a local hospital where she delivers meals. She is a board member of a local women’s shelter. She is a sportswoman who likes playing golf and skiing, and also plays the piano. All these define the context in which Mrs. Fuller operates. She interacts with the environment through all the above. It is known that individuals see their potential tasks through the context. Mrs. Fuller does not just see herself as a skier but as a downhill skier.

We can also use occupational therapy to define an individual’s role in life. In this case, Mrs. Fuller is a mother and a wife. These roles are accompanied by various demands. For instance, as a mother and wife, Mrs. Fuller has to attend to household chores, and of late she is complaining of back pain after these chores. She can no longer downhill ski, play golf, and can not play the piano for long hours as she used to. Osteoporosis has placed her in a context that does not support the performance of her abilities. This has made her see the activities that were once important in her life as insignificant.

Using EHP, occupational therapists can come up with a variety of interventions to help Mrs. Fuller live her normal life. Many interventions work depending on an individual’s context. The first intervention that Mrs. Fuller needs is, to restore her skills and abilities. It is known that Mrs. Fuller has osteoporosis; therefore, she needs to take a lot of calcium to restore the strength of her bones. Mrs. Fuller will also need to work on physical endurance or coping skills to be able to perform the tasks she previously performed comfortably.

The second intervention is to adapt to the current context. In this case, the therapist needs to find an environmental control unit. For instance, a suitable chair that supports Mrs. Fuller’s postural support needs can be made to be used when playing her piano. Another intervention that may be used on Mrs. Fuller is the prevent strategy. A therapist may advise Mrs. Fuller to avoid those activities that might cause injury to her back. In this case, she may be forced to find a helper in her daily chores. EHP and OT can, therefore, be used to assist therapists to find ways of helping persons in need like Mrs. Fuller live fulfilling lives.

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Healthcare Research: The Behavior and Performance of an Individual

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