Community development practice in occupational therapy: A scoping review

Community development is a vital area of practice in occupational therapy, aligned with a recent shift in focus from individual-level interventions to community and societal issues. Despite its growing significance, knowledge and understanding of community development in occupational therapy remain fragmented. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive map of how community development is researched, discussed, and conceptualised within the field of occupational therapy.

A scoping review was conducted using 10 databases to identify relevant literature published up to September 2025. The search strategy combined the terms 'occupational therapy' with either 'community development' or 'community-centred practice'. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to examine the characteristics of the literature and to identify trends in the understanding of community development in the field of occupational therapy.

This study did not include consumer or community involvement.

A total of 38 articles published between 1996 and 2025 were included, with most originating in Canada, Australia, and South Africa. Of these, 18 were empirical studies, and most employed qualitative methodologies. Findings related to community development in occupational therapy were divided into two main themes: 'What is known about community development?' and 'How community development is described in relation to occupational therapy.'

The results revealed limited contextual and methodological diversity in community development research on occupational therapy. We also identified key barriers and enablers in community development practice, offering insights to support practitioners and researchers in advancing this emerging area of occupational therapy. Future studies are required to explore community development practices in diverse geographical and cultural contexts, develop theoretical frameworks to guide occupational therapists, and apply the concept of collective occupation. Strengthening educational systems and institutional support is necessary for practitioners and students to promote and improve their engagement with community development in occupational therapy.