The Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP): A scoping review

BACKGROUND: The Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) approach-now trademarked as the CO-OPApproach-was introduced in the literature in 2001 as an intervention to improve real-world performance in children with developmental coordination disorder. CO-OP has since appeared in numerous publications and has seen adoption with various populations. No compilation of the CO-OP literature is available.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this scoping review was to examine the extent (number) and nature (features and characteristics) of the literature on CO-OP.

METHOD: Using the scoping review methodology outlined by Arksey and O'Malley, 10 online databases were searched for materials discussing CO-OP. Materials found were reviewed by two reviewers, independently. Articles were categorized according to identified study characteristics.

FINDINGS: In all, 94 documents were found, including 27 research articles examining application and adaptations of CO-OP with eight populations. In all cases, the approach was deemed useful; however, in many cases, adaptations to the CO-OP protocol were recommended.

IMPLICATIONS: CO-OP has been applied with a number of populations. There is now sufficient research to warrant a systematic review of the research literature.