What does 'improvement' refer to in occupational therapy practice?

In the context of occupational therapy practice, 'improvement' refers specifically to enhanced occupational performance through adaptation. This means that occupational therapy aims to develop or enhance a client's ability to engage in meaningful activities by either improving specific skills or adapting the environment or task to better fit the client's needs.

Occupational therapists work to promote client-centered care, which often involves finding creative solutions that allow clients to participate more fully in their daily lives, even if they do not achieve complete independence in every aspect. Rather than insisting on total independence, the focus is on making progress and enhancing performance in ways that are significant to the individual's everyday activities.

In contrast, other interpretations of 'improvement,' such as achieving complete independence in all activities, would not account for the various ways adaptations can support participation. Similarly, the idea of increased performance limitations contradicts the core goals of occupational therapy, which is to facilitate participation and improve performance rather than diminish it. Lastly, the elimination of therapy sessions does not align with the concept of improvement, as ongoing support and therapy may be required to continue progress. Thus, option C effectively captures the essence of what 'improvement' means in occupational therapy practice according to the OTPF-4.