The Global Occupational Therapy Think Tank (GOTTT): aims and reflections on the global OT response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

As occupational therapy is increasingly recognized as an important healthcare profession worldwide, the time is suitable to develop a Global Occupational Therapy Think Tank (GOTTT) for promoting international collaboration, advancing the profession globally, and addressing global challenges in an inclusive manner. The global COVID-19 pandemic raised the importance of establishing a platform for exchange, so a group of occupational therapy scholars and practitioners from around the world formed the GOTTT in 2021. The group intentionally sought members from all continents. Members collectively formulated the mission and vision of the GOTTT, seeking to reflect knowledge, experience, and best practices of occupational therapy worldwide. The actions of GOTTT are aimed toward increased recognition, support, and resources for the profession, ultimately benefiting the individuals, groups, and communities served by occupational therapy. As its first project, the think tank examined the global occupational therapy response to COVID-19 by synthesizing medical research findings, intervention case studies, and international OT practice stories. We present the GOTTT and its goals with some reflections about the global response of OT in regard to the COVID-19 Pandemic.