Introducing the Leadership in Enabling Occupation (LEO) model

Area of Science:

• Occupational therapy practice and leadership development.
• Health services accessibility and workforce planning.

Background:

• Access to occupational therapy services in Canada is limited and inequitable.
• Supply, retention, and funding issues restrict the profession's reach.
• Enhanced leadership among all practitioners is crucial for improving access.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce the Leadership in Enabling Occupation (LEO) Model.
• Illustrate the interconnectedness of four everyday leadership elements.
• Align with the framework presented in "Enabling Occupation II."

Main Methods:

• Conceptual model development.
• Literature review and synthesis of leadership principles.
• Framework analysis of occupational therapy practice.

Main Results:

• All occupational therapists possess the capacity for leadership development.
• Leadership potential extends beyond formal leadership roles.
• Practitioners can cultivate leadership skills within and outside their positions.

Conclusions:

• The LEO Model serves as a leadership tool for occupational therapists.
• It facilitates strategic application of scholarship, accountability, and funding.
• The model supports workforce planning to enhance occupational therapy access.