Experiences of the Occupational Therapists During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review

"This Is Going To Be Different, But It's Not Impossible": Adapting To Telehealth Occupational Therapy For Autistic Children

This qualitative study examined participants' experiences of transitioning to telehealth-delivered pediatric occupational therapy for autistic children during the COVID-19 pandemic. We interviewed three clinic administrators, four occupational therapists, and six parents of autistic children (n=13) from three Los Angeles area clinics over a 7-month period. Our narrative and thematic analyses yielded three overarching themes: Transformative Experiences, Reimagining Therapy, and Going Forward. Overall, we found that the transition to telehealth shifted participants' preconceptions about themselves, their relationships, and the nature of occupational therapy. Many deepened their relationships; adapted interventions; uncovered surprising capabilities; and challenged the occupational therapy status quo to advocate for ongoing virtual delivery. Our findings bear relevance to the body of current literature debating the post-pandemic viability of telehealth-delivered occupational therapy.

From Crisis to Opportunity: A Qualitative Study on Rehabilitation Therapists' Experiences and Post-Pandemic Perspectives

Rehabilitation therapists (RTs) have developed substantial mental health problems since the pandemic. Our study aimed to understand the experience of COVID-19 on occupational therapists and physiotherapists practicing in Canada, how the pandemic may have affected care delivery, and to identify new learnings articulated by RTs. A qualitative descriptive study design guided data collection through one-on-one interviews, dyadic interviews, and focus groups. We recruited active RTs across Canada, advertising on professional practice networks and social media platforms and using snowball sampling. Forty-nine RTs representing seven Canadian provinces participated. The four overarching themes developed using thematic analysis were (1) navigating uncertainty along with ever-changing practices, policies, and attitudes, (2) morphing roles within a constrained system, (3) witnessing patients suffering and experiencing moral distress, and (4) recognizing the personal toll of the pandemic on self and others, as well as lessons learned. Our study demonstrated that many RTs suffered moral distress, poor mental health, and some from challenging financial situations, especially those in the private sector. They also expressed a resilient attitude in response to these stressors. Implications in the future include identifying promising communication strategies that could act as protective factors, addressing workforce constraints and diminishing resources through innovative models of care.

Energy Management Education in Persons with Long COVID-Related Fatigue: Insights from Focus Group Results on Occupational Therapy Approach

BACKGROUND

Long COVID is a growing condition among individuals, with fatigue being one of the main symptoms experienced. Energy Management Education (EME) is a structured occupational therapy group intervention that aims to reduce the impact of fatigue in daily life.

METHODS

This study utilized focus groups to explore the experiences of individuals with post-COVID-related fatigue who participated in the EME program. Six participants engaged in discussions about the program immediately after its completion and again two months later. Additionally, five occupational therapists shared their experiences.

RESULTS

Former participants reported implementing strategies learned in the program to manage their condition effectively. They emphasized the importance of understanding fatigue and found the support provided by the peer group valuable. Occupational therapists highlighted the unique challenges faced by individuals with post-COVID-related fatigue compared to other populations with similar fatigue symptoms. Furthermore, insights were obtained regarding the ways individuals live and cope with post-COVID-related fatigue.

CONCLUSION

EME participants were involved in a dynamic and complex occupational therapy process and were experiencing a slow change towards having more control over their daily routines. The study gathered valuable feedback and suggestions from participants and occupational therapists which can be used to optimize the EME program.