Introduction

Leadership is essential and can be a tool to improve practices and resolve difficulties faced within healthcare. Occupational Therapists possess characteristics of good leaders and are key contributors in healthcare organisations. The influence of Occupational Therapy leaders in health organisations is not well understood. The purpose of this scoping review was to explore what the literature says about Occupational Therapy leadership and the influence of the practice in health organisations.

Method

A scoping review was carried out based upon guidance from Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and Joanna Briggs Institute. Five databases and two websites were searched for relevant publications and qualitative content analysis used to code the results.

Findings

Eight materials were included, and the evidence was from four different countries, with the most frequent being the United Kingdom. Following a qualitative content analysis approach, the findings were described and the links to the Person-Environment-Occupational Performance Model, were stated.

Conclusion

Working in complex health organisations, it is vital for occupational therapists to take on leadership responsibilities to positively influence outcomes, utilising a client-centred approach. More research is needed, focusing on the profession of Occupational Therapy to promote and optimise leadership in all contexts.