Edward A.S Duncan, BSc(Hons) Dip.CBT
Senior I Occupational Therapist, Forensic Occupational Therapy, Scotland

I find the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) invaluable in guiding my clinical reasoning and practice within forensic mental health. The strong theoretical basis of the model and its associated assessments offers an excellent way of understanding my clients and provides tools that can support my reasoning and evidence the outcome of interventions.

Within my work environment, MOHO is consistently used by all the occupational therapy clinicians as our guiding model of practice. This has proved to be a real strength, as it has supported a shared clinical understanding of the individuals we work with and has clearly outlined our role to colleagues in other professions. Our clients really value our approach to working with them, as they recognise that we identify issues that they value and are not addressed by any other profession.

Secure institutions, such as forensic hospitals are often viewed as restrictive, in which occupational choices and forms are limited. Using MOHO has enabled me to gain a comprehensive understanding of the client's occupational competence and identity, both historically and within their current environment. Despite the restrictions of the environment, this information has enabled me, together with the client, to develop a meaningful intervention program to prepare for their future.