27 Mar Enhancing Child Development Through the PRPP Model in Occupational Therapy
Introduction
As paediatric occupational therapists, we continually seek effective frameworks to support children’s development. The Perceive, Recall, Plan, Perform (PRPP) model, derived from the Occupational Performance Model of Australia (OPMA), offers a structured approach to understanding how children engage in daily activities. This model emphasises the cognitive processes involved in task performance, enabling therapists to identify areas for intervention and support.
Understanding the PRPP Model
The PRPP model is built on four key components: perception, recall, planning, and performance. Each element plays a crucial role in how a child approaches tasks:
Perceive: This involves the child’s ability to notice and interpret information from their environment. We call this areas attention. In this area we look at whether a child can notice what is happening, switch attention from one thing to another, focus on important details, ignore distractions, stay focused long enough to finish and pay attention to all of an instruction.
Recall: This component focuses on the child’s memory and how they retrieve information about past experiences and learned skills. We call this area remembering. In this area of cognition we look at whether a child knows when and where things happen, understand and remember instructions, recall steps to familiar activities and remember the purpose of objects and how to use them.
Plan: Planning entails organising thoughts and actions to approach a task effectively. We call this are planning and organisation. This can also specifically be motor planning which is knowing the goal of the task and performing the sequence of steps for that tasks. Further we look at whether a child can problem solve, pace themselves, ask for help when needed and evaluate whether an activity has been done well or not.
Perform: This is the execution of the planned actions in real-time. We call this “doing”. In this area we look at whether a child can get started, stop when requested, transition between environments and activities, persevere and try again, complete an activity within an appropriate timeframe and adjust to change.
By assessing these components, therapists can pinpoint specific areas where a child may have difficulty and develop targeted interventions.
Assessment and Intervention
The PRPP model begins with a comprehensive assessment of the child’s abilities in each of the four components. Observations, caregiver input, and standardised assessments provide valuable insights. Following this, therapists can create individualised intervention plans that may include:
Cognitive Strategies: Techniques to improve attention, memory and recall such as using visual aids or mnemonics.
Task Breakdown: Helping children break down complex tasks into manageable steps, enhancing their planning skills.
Real-Life Practice: Engaging in activities that mimic real-world scenarios, allowing children to practise perception and performance in context.
Conclusion
The PRPP model offers a holistic approach to understanding and improving a child’s occupational performance. By focusing on perception, recall, planning, and execution, occupational therapists can create tailored interventions that foster independence and confidence in children. Ultimately, this model empowers children to navigate their environments more effectively, paving the way for greater participation in daily life and enhancing their overall well-being.