PAMs are not considered occupational therapy or sound practice when used without what?

• A. Functional outcomes or occupational performance
• B. Consent
• C. Supervision
• D. Documentation

Answer: (A)

In occupational therapy, every intervention should connect to meaningful daily activity. PAMs are tools to support task performance, not goals in themselves. If a PAM is used but there’s no expectation or evidence that it will improve the client’s ability to perform functional tasks—such as dressing, cooking, or writing—the intervention isn’t aligning with OT goals and isn’t sound practice. Consent, supervision, and documentation are essential safety and professional requirements, but the determining factor here is whether the use of the modality translates into improved occupational performance. If it does not, PAM use is not OT practice.