Performance skills refer to “observable, goal-directed actions and consist of motor skills, process skills, and social interaction skills” (AOTA, 2020, S13) and “result in a client’s quality of performing desired occupations” (AOTA, 2020, S43).  

a) Motor skills 

Motor skills refer to the actions related to moving self or interacting with objects. Examples include positioning the body (e.g. stabilizes, aligns), obtaining and holding objects (e.g. reaches, bends), and sustaining performance (e.g. endures, paces).

Related ICE Videos

Peds Fine Motor: Letter Formation

Peds Fine Motor: Letter Formation

Search the ICE Video Library for the titles below, or for keywords such as: fine motor, motor skills, coordination, gait, rolling, scooting, and sitting balance.

  • Spinal Stenosis 3 months post surgery: ADLs During Breakfast

  • Dementia Part 3: Donning Socks

  • Dementia Part 2: Doffing Socks

  • Peds Fine Motor: Letter Formation

  • Peds, Sensory Integration, and Sensory Processing: Scooterboard and Letter Recognition Activity

  • Total Hip Replacement, Part 4: Ambulation in Acute Care

b) Process skills 

Process skills refer to organizing objects, time, and space (e.g. applying knowledge, adapting performance, organizing timing).

Related ICE Videos

Dementia Part 1: Grooming and Hygiene

Dementia Part 1: Grooming and Hygiene

Search the ICE Video Library for the titles below, or for keywords such as: problem-solving, function, ADL, dressing, sequencing, and timing.

  • Peds assessment: fine motor/writing

  • Dementia Part 1: Grooming and Hygiene

  • Spinal Stenosis 3 months post surgery: ADLs during breakfast

  • Hip Fracture: Self Care at the sink

  • Multiple Sclerosis, Problems Observed in the Home, Part 5

c) Social interaction skills  

Social interaction skills refer to the use of “both verbal and nonverbal skills to communicate” (AOTA, 2020, S13) (e.g. adapting social interaction, maintaining flow of social interaction, producing social interaction). 

Related ICE Videos

Femur Fracture, 5 Weeks Post Surgery: Advanced Practice Skills During IADLs

Femur Fracture, 5 Weeks Post Surgery: Advanced Practice Skills During IADLs

Search the ICE Video Library for the titles below, or for keywords such as: social participation, Ben (patient 001), Jo (patient 024), and Janita Torres (patient 027).

  • Femur Fracture: 5 Weeks Post Surgery: Advanced practice skills during IADLs

  • Femur Fracture, 5 Weeks Post Surgery: Patient Interview in Preparation to Return Home

  • Self-Care: Dressing in Acute Care, Part 2

  • Assessment in Acute Care, Part 1: Initial Interview

  • Dementia Part 2: Doffing Socks

Questions 

Ask these questions when watching the related videos.

  1. How do the social interaction skills of one patient differ from another patient? How do social interaction skills affect their overall treatment progress?

  2. How are performance skills affected by one’s values, beliefs, and spirituality?

  3. How are performance skills affected by one’s body functions and structures?

  4. How are performance skills affected by one’s environment and/or social support system?

  5. How are performance skills affected by anxiety, depression, or fear?

  6. How do performance skills become a habit or routine?

Amanda K. Giles, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Amanda K. Giles is an Associate Professor in the Division of Occupational Therapy at Medical University of South Carolina. She has over 10 years of teaching experience in courses on surface anatomy, adultphysical dysfunction, and neuro-rehabilitation. Her clinical background is in acute care, adult rehabilitation, and mental health.

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Performance Patterns

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Client Factors