Introduction: The single entry level education for occupational therapy is evolving from diploma to undergraduate degree to Doctor of occupational therapy like parallel rehabilitation professions which could bring empowerment and influence health care model for integration of occupational therapy services to reduce burden on health care and promote wellbeing of community.
Objective: The study aims to evaluate the undergraduate curriculum of occupational therapy alignment with the priorities identified in the PESTLE analysis of healthcare.
Methodology: PESTLE analysis was conducted to determine the existing and future concerns of national healthcare which was followed by reviewing the content of existing curriculums of occupational therapy at various institutes. The collected data of PESTLE analysis and curriculum review highlighted the gap in the offered curriculum to meet the National need of rehabilitation in the health care services.
Result: The result concluded to introduce courses such as Sensory integration, Community based rehabilitation, Assistive technology and rehabilitation environment, Professional practices, women health, management and leadership, ergonomics, Pediatric occupational therapy, geriatric occupational therapy along with project based Community work as well as comprehensive assessment for clinical practices after graduation.
Practical implementation: The study endorsed that health service model and educational institute of occupational therapy should collaborate, design competence based curriculum for the emerging needs of national health, evidences for prospective approach in context to national health priorities should be focused to develop National curriculum. The study has contributed in upgrading the OT curriculum to meet the local health challenges and attract institute to invest in OT programs.