Introduction / Rationale: Social media has become a widely used tool in healthcare, providing opportunities for occupational therapists (OTs) to connect with children and families. This review explores the role of social media in delivering OT services and its impact on practice.
Objectives: This study aims to identify the ways in which social media is used to deliver OT interventions, the types of strategies shared, and the experiences of parents and therapists engaging in online therapy support.
Methods / Approach: A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. A systematic search of databases, including MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Scopus, identified relevant studies. Covidence software was used for screening and data extraction.
Results / Practice Implications: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings suggest that social media enhances therapist-parent communication, provides access to intervention resources, and fosters peer support. However, concerns regarding the credibility of shared strategies and the lack of statistical significance in existing studies were noted. More research is required to validate social media’s effectiveness in OT practice.
Conclusion / Significance to the Occupational Therapy Profession: Social media has the potential to expand OT service delivery, improve accessibility, and promote professional networking. Establishing guidelines and ensuring evidence-based content are essential for integrating social media into OT practice. Future research should explore best practices for leveraging social media as a therapeutic tool.
