Which role focuses on improving a patient’s ability to perform daily activities and work skills?

• A. Occupational Therapist (OT)
• B. Physical Therapist (PT)
• C. Speech-Language Pathologist
• D. Respiratory Therapist (RT)

Answer: (A)

The ability to perform everyday tasks and work activities is the focus of occupational therapy. An Occupational Therapist assesses how a person carries out daily living activities—like dressing, bathing, cooking, managing medications—and how they perform work-related tasks. They then design activities and strategies to improve these skills or help the person compensate when needed. This often includes graded practice, training in energy management, fine motor and cognitive skills, and adapting the environment or using assistive devices to support independence at home and on the job.

Physical therapy concentrates on movement and physical function such as strength, mobility, and gait. Speech-language pathology focuses on communication and swallowing skills. Respiratory therapy centers on breathing, ventilation, and airway management. Since the goal described—improving daily activities and work skills—aligns with helping someone participate independently in daily life and occupational tasks, the role that best fits is occupational therapy.