Activity and participation are of critical importance for health and wellbeing, in keeping with the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Coaching is an approach that can support patients and clients with improving participation, and has rapidly become an area of interest across numerous health disciplines. In addition to direct support with clients or patients of different age groups, coaching can be utilised with parents of children with participation support needs.
Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC) is a specific and evidence-based form of therapeutic coaching. It is a client-focused approach that provides a structure for therapists to support clients to select goals, analyse current performance and make decisions about actions to be taken. OPC has demonstrated effectiveness with a range of populations, including parents of children with neurodevelopmental difficulties. It has been determined to be a feasible and appropriate support given its focus on function and participation, and its flexibility in relation to duration and dose.
OPC fits within the family systems theory (FST) that emphasises that an intervention involving parents can impact the entire family through relationships and interactions. OPC is implemented through three domains: Connect, structure and share.
This lecture will showcase the theoretical underpinnings of OPC, its three domains, and the evidence supporting its use in paediatric therapeutic settings. Examples of OPC will be demonstrated and discussed. Potential applications in diverse cultural contexts will be explored. This presentation will highlight how Occupational Performance Coaching can empower families, enhance participation, and strengthen the therapeutic partnership across paediatric contexts.