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Occupational therapy has an important and expanding role in non-traditional settings and emerging practice areas outside of the healthcare system. This has impacted types of service delivery models and expanded a focus on community-based practice and outcomes. Additionally, OT’s role in traditional medical care has evolved into new settings and functions. In response, there is a need to determine the effectiveness of both models of service delivery and the interventions.

Across the life course, people experience a wide range of planned and unanticipated transitions. There is a critical need for interventions to support people, families, and communities as they experience these transitions. Example transitions may include disability onset/identification/diagnosis, starting and ending educational and training programs, transitions across systems of care, retirement, aging in place, and end of life.

Technology and environmental supports are ubiquitous across all areas of society. Technology use is a means to enhance occupational therapy interventions as well as a significant form of occupational engagement and social participation. Technology and environmental supports are a priority area across the lifespan in home, clinical, and community settings.

Mental health is about the way thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence daily life, and is critical for well-being. Research is needed to understand protective factors supporting resilience and to assess participation-based approaches that support mental, behavioral, and emotional health (e.g. mindfulness and trauma-informed care).

The prevention and management of chronic conditions is a national priority for improved quality of life and population health. Programs and interventions that support positive health behaviors are needed to improve outcomes for diverse groups of people across a range of chronic conditions.