Introduction/Rationale: Although many professions address sexuality, occupational therapists uniquely understand how client factors, performance skills, and contexts impact participation in these valued occupations. With the development of the Occupational Therapy Sexual Assessment Framework (OTSAF) and Occupational Performance Inventory of Sexuality and Intimacy (OPISI), a need emerged to identify essential educational requirements for practitioners globally. Occupational therapy can only maintain its strength and relevance through education that is both evidence-informed and theoretically sound. As global demand grows for rehabilitation services that comprehensively address sexuality and intimacy needs, the profession must chart new educational, practice, and research directions.
Objective: The objective of this study was to employ a Delphi methodology to systematically gather evidence, facilitate expert discussions across borders, and establish consensus on educational priorities for occupational therapists addressing sexuality and intimacy in diverse international contexts.
Methods/Approach: This research employed a three-tiered Delphi approach including: a systematic analysis of 69 articles, insights from 28 experts across 11 countries, and consensus-building to assess priorities' relevance and significance. This approach converts theoretical principles into actionable educational practices while respecting cultural diversity.
Results/Implications: Findings establish clear educational priorities including: core competencies for entry-level and post-professional education, culturally-sensitive teaching strategies, curriculum integration points, and assessment parameters.
Conclusion/Contribution: This international consensus study provides the first global educational blueprint for advancing occupational therapy's role in addressing the sexual health, sexuality, and intimacy needs of clients. By establishing evidence-based priorities, the study supports a paradigm shift—moving sexuality from optional to professional obligation, positioning occupational therapy as a leader in rights-based healthcare.