When It Is Used
Use this step at the beginning of a COPM process when the practitioner needs the client's own description of occupational performance problems.
COPM Problem Definition Step
COPM Problem Definition is the Step 1 problem-capture portion of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure for occupational therapy practitioners completing the assessment with a client. It helps the practitioner record client-defined occupational performance problems before prioritization and later COPM steps.
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Tool guide
Learn more about this tool
Use this background section to understand when the tool fits, how practitioners use it, and what to consider before sharing it with clients.
What It Captures
It captures multiple problem entries and optional clarification notes while keeping client wording primary.
What It Does Not Do
This step does not collect importance ratings, performance ratings, satisfaction ratings, change scores, or practitioner-only goals.
Is this the full COPM?
No. This is only the COPM Problem Definition step for capturing client-defined occupational performance problems.
Can the practitioner rewrite the client's wording?
The practitioner can clarify meaning, but the product should keep the client's wording primary and avoid replacing it with practitioner shorthand.
Are ratings included in this step?
No. Importance, performance, satisfaction, and change ratings are outside this configuration.
What is saved?
The COPM Problem Definition tool itself is saved; fictional demo problems and notes are not saved as real client data.