The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) at Quad Care: An NDIS‑Aligned Occupational Therapy Assessment
The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) is a widely used, client‑centred assessment tool in occupational therapy that supports meaningful goal setting and outcome measurement. Within the NDIS framework, the COPM helps ensure therapy is guided by what matters most to the participant and focuses on everyday function and participation.
At Quad Care, our Occupational Therapy team uses the COPM to support NDIS participants, families, and support coordinators to develop clear, participant‑led goals, guide intervention, and demonstrate progress over time.
What Is the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM)?
The COPM is a participant‑reported outcome measure completed through a structured conversation between an occupational therapist and the participant (and/or their family or carers). It identifies everyday activities that a person:
- wants to do
- needs to do
- is expected to do
but is currently finding difficult.
Rather than comparing a person to population norms, the COPM focuses on individual priorities and lived experience. This makes it particularly well suited to NDIS‑aligned occupational therapy, where functional impact and meaningful outcomes are central.
Why Quad Care Uses the COPM
Both the COPM and the NDIS are built around choice, control, and meaningful participation. Quad Care uses the COPM because it:
- centres the participant’s voice
- supports personalised, functional goal setting
- provides measurable evidence of change over time
- strengthens communication between participants, families, therapists, and the NDIS
COPM‑guided conversations help Quad Care Occupational Therapists understand which outcomes will make the greatest difference in daily life — whether that’s independence at home, participation at school or work, or engagement in the community.
Learn more about Quad Care’s Occupational Therapy services:
Occupational Therapy at Quad Care
https://quadcare.com.au/occupational-therapy/
COPM Domains: Areas of Daily Life It Covers
The COPM explores three key occupational areas:
Self‑Care
Personal care, hygiene, mobility, daily routines, and activities of daily living.
Productivity
School participation, employment, household tasks, and daily responsibilities.
Leisure
Play, hobbies, social interaction, and community participation.
This structure allows Quad Care OTs to clearly link assessment findings to real‑world function, which is essential for NDIS planning, reviews, and progress reporting.
How the COPM Assessment Works at Quad Care
While every assessment is tailored to the individual, the COPM process typically includes:
Identifying occupational performance issues
The OT and participant discuss daily routines and identify activities that are challenging.Prioritising what matters most
The participant rates which activities are most important to them.Rating performance
The participant rates how well they feel they currently perform those activities.Rating satisfaction
The participant rates how satisfied they are with their current performance.Using results to guide therapy and review progress
At Quad Care, these ratings help inform therapy goals, intervention planning, and outcome measurement over time.
COPM and NDIS Reporting
NDIS planning and reviews require clear evidence of functional impact and progress. The COPM supports this by:
- establishing a participant‑identified baseline
- providing measurable performance and satisfaction ratings
- allowing outcomes to be reviewed and clearly documented
Quad Care Occupational Therapists may use COPM‑informed outcomes alongside observation and other functional assessments to support NDIS progress reports, plan reviews, and capacity‑building documentation.
Use of the COPM supports evidence‑based reporting but does not guarantee NDIS funding outcomes. All funding decisions are made by the NDIA based on individual circumstances.
Benefits of Using the COPM in Occupational Therapy
The COPM offers several benefits for participants and therapy teams:
- Encourages active participant involvement
- Supports meaningful, goal‑driven therapy
- Improves engagement and motivation
- Enhances communication with families and support networks
- Provides clear outcome data over time
These benefits align strongly with Quad Care’s focus on practical, person‑centred, and functional therapy outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions About the COPM
Who is the COPM suitable for?
The COPM can be used across the lifespan, including with children, adults, and older people, where the participant or a proxy can identify meaningful priorities.
How long does a COPM assessment take?
Time varies depending on complexity and communication needs. COPM discussions are typically completed within a standard OT assessment appointment.
Can the COPM be used with other OT assessments?
Yes. The COPM is commonly used alongside functional observation and other occupational therapy assessments to strengthen clinical reasoning.
Is the COPM suitable for NDIS participants?
Yes. The COPM aligns well with NDIS principles and is widely used to support participant‑led goal setting and outcome measurement.
Working With Quad Care
If you’re seeking NDIS‑aligned occupational therapy that focuses on meaningful, practical outcomes, Quad Care can support:
- Occupational Therapy assessment
- Participant‑led goal setting
- Capacity‑building intervention
- Progress reporting aligned to NDIS goals
Learn more or get in touch:
Occupational Therapy at Quad Care
https://quadcare.com.au/occupational-therapy/
Contact Quad Care
https://quadcare.com.au/contact-us/