Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool

Overview

Author(s): Parkinson, S., Forsyth, K., & Kielhofner, G.

Year of Publication: 2006 (Version 2.0) (Pilot, 2002)

Publisher: The University of Illinois at Chicago

Type of Assessment: 

• Standardized Rating Scale

• Observation

• Discussion

• Record Review

Cost: $40.00

How to Access: https://moho-irm.uic.edu/productDetails.aspx?aid=4 

Age: Adult (18-64), Geriatrics (65+)

Diagnoses: mental health diagnoses, learning disabilities, arthritis/joint conditions, TBIs, cardiac dysfunction, cerebral palsy, MS, pain management, Parkinson's/movement disorders, pulmonary disorders, spinal cord injury, stroke, vestibular disorders, & individuals with an inability to tolerate length interviews, demonstrates poor insight/concentration or have difficulties expressing concerns 

Setting: outpatient rehab, inpatient rehab, acute rehab, home health, community-based programs, mental health programs, SNFs, assisted living,

Areas Assessed:

• Motivation for occupation

  • Appraisal of abilities

  • Expectation of success

  • Interest

  • Commitment

• Pattern of occupation

  • Routine

  • Adaptability

  • Responsibility

  • Roles

• Communication and interaction skills

  • Non-verbal Skills

  • Conversation

  • Vocal expression

  • Relationships

• Process skills

  • Knowledge

  • Planning

  • Organization

  • Problem-solving

• Motor skills

  • Posture and mobility

  • Co-ordination

  • Strength and effort

  • Energy

• Environment

  • Physical space

  • Physical resources

  • Social groups

  • Occupational demands

Administration

Time: 10-20 mins (for scoring) *therapist determines number and length of observations over days or weeks for data collection

Group/Individual: Individual Observations (Discussion includes caregivers and other professionals)

Subtests: 6 categories containing 24 total items

Instructions: The therapist will review records & conduct several discussions with the client, caregivers, and other professionals while informal and formal observations are made over several days to 2 weeks until data is collected. Once collected, the therapist will rate the client's occupational functioning 

Materials: Assessment manual & forms

User Qualifications: Have a familiarity and understanding of the MOHO model and concepts

Scoring Procedures

How to Score:

• Rating Scale: 

  • F= Facilitates occupational participation

  • A= Allows occupational participation

  • I= Inhibits occupational participation

  • R= Restricts occupational participation

Score Indications:

• "F" ratings are considered strengths while items rate "A", "I", and "R" are considered weaknesses where interventions will be required

Psychometrics

Reliability: 

• Good to excellent interrater reliability

• Strong internal consistency

Validity: 

• Strong face validity

• Strong construct validity as it aligns with the MOHO framework

• Good concurrent validity

Pros & Cons

Strengths:

• Incorporates many perspectives to create the most holistic picture of functioning and areas of need

• Used to document progress towards OT goals and screen for OT services

• Good psychometrics

• Manual includes expanded criteria to assist in assigning ratings to prevent reporter bias

• Utilizes common language to translate findings clearly with clients, families and other professionals

• Flexible to be utilized in various practice settings

• Translated into 20 languages

Weaknesses:

• Can take time for observations and collaboration to occur to gather data

References

• Asher, I. E. (2014). Asher’s occupational therapy assessment tools: An annotated index (4th ed.). AOTA Press.

• MOHO. (n.d.). OT Dude. Retrieved March 23, 2025, from https://www.otdude.com/academy/nbcot-exam-prep/lesson/theories-models/topic/moho/ 

• Forsyth, K., Parkinson, S., Kielhofner, G., Kramer, J., Mann, L. S., & Duncan, E. (2011). The measurement properties of the model of human occupation screening tool and implications for practice. New Zealand Journal of Occupational Therapy, 58(2), 5-13.

• Parkinson, S., Forsyth, K., & Kielhofner, G. (2006). The model of human occupation screening tool (MOHOST)[Version 2.0]. The University of Illinois at Chicago. https://moho-irm.uic.edu/productDetails.aspx?aid=4 

• Shirley Ryan Ability Lab. (2015, March 6). Model of human occupation screening tool. https://www.sralab.org/rehabilitation-measures/model-human-occupation-screening-tool