Functional Cognition: Moving the Field Forward

Abstract

The concept of functional cognition has been variously defined, but at its core relates to how cognitive and performance abilities are integrated and used in everyday life. Functional cognition is a fundamental element of occupational performance, and functional cognitive assessment and intervention are central to how occupational therapy can improve client outcomes. Attendees at a conference convened by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation identified areas where the construct of functional cognition required further clarification. This paper briefly reviews these issues setting the stage for further conceptual analysis. The paper also examines the practical challenges that must be addressed before functional cognitive assessment and intervention can be fully integrated into occupational therapy practitioners’ professional practice. Potential routes to address these challenges are identified.

Plain Language Summary

Exploring the concept of functional cognition in occupational therapy

The concept of functional cognition (FC) has been defined in different ways, but at its core relates to how cognitive and performance abilities are applied in managing a person’s everyday life. FC is central to how people live their lives, and FC assessment and intervention are central to how occupational therapists can improve their clients’ daily life functioning. This paper, the result of a conference sponsored by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation, discusses the idea of FC, attempts to identify its central components, and looks at how FC differs from concepts related to cognition used by other disciplines. The paper also examines what needs to change in the profession before FC assessment and intervention can become a day-to-day part of occupational therapists’ professional practice. Potential routes to address these challenges to the practice of occupational therapy are identified.