Description

The Occupational Case Analysis Interview and Rating Scale (OCAIRS) is an occupational therapy assessment designed to evaluate an individual’s occupational participation and functioning.

The instrument consists of a semi-structured interview, a rating scale, and a synthesis form. It is based on the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and gathers information about the individual’s current occupational situation as well as plans for the future.

Objective

The primary objective of the OCAIRS is to identify factors that support or restrict occupational participation.

Information obtained through the interview can assist occupational therapists in identifying individual needs, understanding occupational functioning, and developing appropriate therapeutic goals and interventions.

Areas of Assessment

The OCAIRS evaluates ten major areas derived from the MOHO framework:

Personal causation, skills, values and goals, occupation, interests, physical environment, roles, social environment, habits, and life history.

Together, these areas provide a comprehensive picture of the individual’s occupational circumstances and participation.

Scoring

Information collected during the interview is evaluated using a 5-point rating scale.

The ratings help the therapist identify areas that facilitate occupational functioning as well as areas that may interfere with participation or require additional support.

Data Analysis and Interpretation

OCAIRS results can be used to develop an individualized profile of occupational functioning.

Rather than focusing exclusively on a single overall score, interpretation considers patterns across the different areas of assessment, helping identify strengths, limitations, environmental influences, and intervention priorities.

Applications

The OCAIRS is primarily used in occupational therapy and rehabilitation with adults and older adults.

It can support clinical assessment, intervention planning, goal setting, and evaluation of factors influencing participation in meaningful occupational activities.

References

Kaplan, S., & Kielhofner, G. (1985). Occupational Case Analysis Interview and Rating Scale (OCAIRS).

Vandamme, D. (1998). Dutch version of the Occupational Case Analysis Interview and Rating Scale (OCAIRS).

Kielhofner, G. (2004). Model of Human Occupation: Theory and Application. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.