Occupational therapy in the United Kingdom: past, present, and future

Introduction: This study considers the development of occupational therapy and its growth within the United Kingdom. It provides an account of the profession's past and present and suggests an opportunity for the future. Objective: We describe the history of occupational therapy in the United Kingdom, from the historical events that facilitated the early development of the profession up until the present time. Methods: This is a descriptive and historical overview of occupational therapy in the United Kingdom. Results: Through their influence within the social reform and arts and crafts movements, John Ruskin (1819–1900), Octavia Hill (1838–1912), and Elizabeth Casson (1881–1954) are identified as the drivers of the development of occupational therapy in the United Kingdom. Conclusion: We acknowledge the challenges and expectations of occupational therapy within the National Health Service and note that occupational therapy practice is greatly dependent on government funding and the policy priorities for health and education. We advocate for creativity in crafting the occupation of the occupational therapist and propose a vision for crafting creative occupation.