The state of occupational therapy practice in the community settings in Thailand: A scoping review

Abstract

Background: Community-based occupational therapy (CBOT) extends beyond traditional institutional care to address social, cultural, and environmental factors that influence health and participation. In Thailand, demographic shifts, the rise of non-communicable diseases, and gaps in the healthcare system underscore the potential of CBOT for meeting community needs. However, the extent to which occupational therapy (OT) practice in Thailand is implemented within community settings remains unclear. A clearer understanding of existing practices, key interventions, and emerging trends is therefore needed to guide policy, inform practice, and expand CBOT effectively. Objective: This scoping review aims to map current OT practice in Thai community settings. Specifically, it explores areas of practice, key interventions, and emerging trends, examining how they align with CBOT principles. By identifying gaps and opportunities, this review seeks to inform future research, practice, and policy development toward evidence-based CBOT. Materials and methods: Following Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework, a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and the Thai-Journal Citation Index Center was conducted. Articles published in English or Thai describing OT in Thai community settings were included, yielding 14 studies. Data extraction followed a structured template, and a content analysis was performed to identify thematic patterns. Results: Two overarching categories emerged: areas of practice and implementation strategies. The areas of practice primarily emphasized physical rehabilitation, particularly for stroke survivors, focusing on functional recovery and activities of daily living. Fewer studies addressed mental health, but those that did underscored the importance of social participation and caregiver education. Implementation strategies included improving functional recovery, collaborating with village health volunteers, integrating technology, and developing CBOT models. Conclusion: Occupational therapy in Thai community settings demonstrates promising practices, such as integrating village health volunteers and employing technology in rehabilitation. However, limited attention to mental health, underutilization of OT-specific skills, and uneven geographical distribution highlight areas for further development. Expanding community-based services to underserved regions and strengthening the evidence base-especially in mental health and policy engagement-will be crucial for maximizing CBOT’s impact. Future research should explore diverse populations, assess model sustainability, and align current practices more firmly with evidence-based strategies.