Note. Below is a visual representation of the eclectic approach. It is a synthesis of the process described by Ikiugu et al., 2009; & Wong et al., 2015.
Eclectic approaches are common in occupational therapy since no one model of practice, frame of reference, or related knowledge can fully capture the contextual nature of occupational performance and clinical reasoning (Ikiugu et al., 2009). While multiple complementary models of practice/frames of reference/related knowledge (represented by the three vertical areas) may be used under the umbrella of a guiding/organizing model of practice it is the umbrella that frames and unifies the elements into cohesive clinical reasoning rather than a “cherry picking” approach.
Note the cyclical nature of the complementary models of practice, these are not fixed and can be exchanged or modified as needed during the therapeutic process (Ikiugu et. al, 2009; Wong et al., 2015) The above diagram is a synthesis of Ikugu et al. (2009) and Wong et al. (2015) and is intended to assist practitioners in making explicit the often implicit process of clinical reasoning. For example, the PEO provides an accessible lens through which to understand clients and their contextual environments ensuring delivery of holistic OT services. This makes it appropriate to use as an overarching model of practice which is complemented by using additional OT models of practice, frames of reference, or related knowledge. The PEO is not the only model of practice that this is appropriate for, others including the Model of Human Occupation, are also suitable. Occupation centered practice is assured by using an occupational based model to frame all other related knowledge integrated into clinical reasoning. By using an OT model of practice to synthesize information and direct interventions practitioners ensure that a holistic client centered approach is guiding their practice.
See PEO Model case study Koshi for an example of the eclectic approach.