Methodological and historical evolution of indexed publications in occupational therapy

Abstract

[Abstract] Introduction: Indexed publications in occupational therapy reflect the field’s evolving priorities, practices, and methodologies. They play a central role in advancing research, informing professional practice, and fostering theoretical development. This study explores the historical and methodological evolution of indexed publications in occupational therapy to identify trends, thematic shifts, and methodological progress.

Method: A bibliometric analysis was conducted on 10,776 articles published between 1945 and 2022 in 15 occupational therapy journals indexed in the Web of Science database. Articles were systematically screened, and performance indicators, citation patterns, and thematic trends were analyzed.

Results: The findings revealed three distinct publication periods: foundational (1945–1989), expansion (1990–2009), and maturity (2010–2022). Thematic priorities evolved over time, shifting from physical rehabilitation to mental health, community-based interventions, and broader inclusion of diverse populations. Methodologically, the field progressed from qualitative reviews and descriptive studies to a greater presence of mixed methods, systematic reviews, and experimental designs, although some limitations in rigor persist.

Conclusion: Occupational therapy research has experienced significant growth, thematic diversification, and increasing methodological sophistication. These developments reflect the profession’s responsiveness to changing societal needs and clinical contexts. The study highlights the importance of sustaining evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continued investment in high-quality research to support the evolution of the discipline.