Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool [MOHOST-24]

Instrument Description

The Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool (MOHOST-24) is an assessment instrument based on the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO), a theoretical framework developed to understand how personal characteristics, activities, and environmental factors interact to influence human functioning and occupational participation.

The MOHOST is primarily used within the field of occupational therapy to provide a comprehensive overview of an individual’s ability to engage in meaningful activities, identify functional limitations, and examine the environmental conditions that support or restrict participation.

Unlike assessments that focus exclusively on individual abilities, the MOHOST adopts a holistic perspective by examining the interaction between:

  • personal motivation,
  • daily routines and occupational patterns,
  • performance skills,
  • environmental influences.

Objective

The primary objective of the MOHOST-24 is to assess an individual’s occupational participation and functional performance in everyday activities.

More specifically, the instrument aims to:

Functional Assessment

Provide a comprehensive understanding of the individual’s ability to participate in activities of daily living, education, work, leisure, and social roles.

Intervention Planning

Support the development of individualized therapeutic interventions by identifying areas of strength, limitations, and potential targets for improvement.

Environmental Assessment

Examine how physical, social, and organizational environments influence occupational participation by identifying supportive or restrictive conditions.

Domains Assessed

The MOHOST-24 evaluates key dimensions of human occupation based on the MOHO framework.

Motivation and Participation in Activities

Assesses the individual’s willingness, interest, and engagement in activities that are meaningful and relevant to personal goals.

Occupational Patterns and Habits

Evaluates the organization of daily routines, habits, and roles that structure everyday functioning.

Performance Skills

Assesses the motor, process, and communication skills required for effective participation in activities.

Environmental Factors

Examines the extent to which the environment facilitates or limits occupational participation and independence.

These domains reflect the central principle of MOHO, according to which human functioning emerges from the dynamic interaction between the person, occupation, and environment.

Administration and Scoring

The MOHOST is completed by a trained healthcare professional, primarily an occupational therapist, based on information obtained through:

  • direct observation,
  • interviews with the individual,
  • information from family members or other professionals involved in care.

The assessment focuses on the extent to which occupational participation is supported or restricted.

The evaluation process includes:

Information Collection

The assessor gathers information regarding daily activities, occupational roles, abilities, challenges, and environmental influences.

Domain Evaluation

Collected information is analyzed to identify strengths and difficulties across different areas of occupational functioning.

Summary of Results

Findings are summarized to create an occupational profile that can guide intervention planning and therapeutic goal setting.

Data Analysis

MOHOST data can be utilized in both clinical practice and research contexts.

Possible analytical approaches include:

Descriptive Analysis

Presentation of domain scores to describe the individual’s occupational functioning profile.

Comparative Analysis

Comparison of occupational participation between different groups or evaluation of changes before and after intervention.

Outcome Evaluation

Use of repeated assessments to monitor changes in occupational participation, independence, and functional performance over time.

Reliability and Validity

The MOHOST has been developed within the theoretical framework of the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and has been examined as an assessment tool for occupational participation and functional performance.

Reliability evaluation may include:

  • internal consistency,
  • inter-rater reliability,
  • stability of measurement over time.

Validity studies examine whether the instrument appropriately reflects theoretical dimensions of human occupation and corresponds with other indicators of functional performance.

Applications

The MOHOST-24 is used in various clinical and research settings:

Occupational Therapy Assessment

For developing individualized rehabilitation programs and supporting occupational independence.

Mental Health Services

For evaluating how psychological difficulties influence daily functioning, participation, and social involvement.

Neurological Rehabilitation

For assessing functional limitations following neurological conditions or injuries.

Research Applications

For investigating relationships between occupational participation, environmental factors, functional ability, and quality of life.

The MOHOST-24 represents a holistic assessment tool for human occupation, as it evaluates not only individual abilities but also the interaction between personal characteristics, activities, and environmental conditions affecting participation and independence.

References

Kielhofner, G. (2008). Model of Human Occupation: Theory and Application. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Miller, L. T., & Kielhofner, G. (2005). The Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool (MOHOST): Manual and User Guide. University of Illinois at Chicago.

Taylor, R. R. (2017). Kielhofner’s Model of Human Occupation: Theory and Application (5th ed.). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer.

Fitzgerald, S., & Kielhofner, G. (2012). Using the Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool to Assess Functional Performance in Occupational Therapy. Occupational Therapy Journal, 59(2), 155–168.