Trends in psychiatric occupational therapy in Japan: A nationwide analysis using the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan from 2014 to 2022

The increase in inpatient psychiatric OT claims, especially among the elderly and younger populations, highlights the growing importance of age-specific interventions. The decline in outpatient claims raises concerns about the impact of the pandemic on community-based rehabilitation. Policymakers should consider revising reimbursement schemes to support sustained outpatient OT provision and ensure its integration as a core component of inclusive mental health care systems.