Performance Skills
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
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
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
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.
How do the social interaction skills of one patient differ from another patient? How do social interaction skills affect their overall treatment progress?
How are performance skills affected by one’s values, beliefs, and spirituality?
How are performance skills affected by one’s body functions and structures?
How are performance skills affected by one’s environment and/or social support system?
How are performance skills affected by anxiety, depression, or fear?
How do performance skills become a habit or routine?