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

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.

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

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.

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.

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