Abstract
This nationwide study addressed how occupational engagement and quality of life (QoL) were affected in occupational therapy (OT) students and professionals during the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Research questions addressed: 1) if daily occupations changed; 2) how QoL was affected; 3) in what manner OT background influenced coping; 4) recommendations to OT students, practitioners, and the profession. Although 198 students and 249 professionals responded initially to the survey, an average of 161 professionals and 95 students completed the critical questions described herein. Six students and eight professionals participated in interviews. Separate online surveys via SurveyMonkey gathered quantitative and qualitative data from the students and professionals, and interview guides facilitated qualitative data collection from both groups. The anonymous surveys included rating scales, multiple-choice, ranking, and open-ended questions. The interviews, using open-ended questions, occurred via telephone or Skype audio calls in the summer and early fall of 2020. Both professionals and students reported their occupational engagement drastically changed due to the Pandemic. Similarly, they indicated a decrease in their own QoL compared to before the Pandemic. Grounded Theory of Pandemic Occupational Adaptation and Engagement in OT Professionals and Students emanated from the findings. The COVID-19 Pandemic affected millions in various ways. OT professionals and students reported telehealth as beneficial for treating clients and providing education to OT students. Mental health should be a priority for everyone to maintain good QoL and cope with pandemic-related and future life challenges. Participant commitment to the occupational therapy profession continues to be strong.
Highlights
In March of 2020, the COVID-19 worldwide Pandemic required a nationwide shutdown in the United States
Individuals residing in nursing homes have been deeply affected by COVID-19, with many requiring intensive medical care and a large number dying from the virus
Professional and student invitations to the survey were posted on the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) “CommunOT” discussion boards: “General Forum” and “Academic Education.”
Summary
In March of 2020, the COVID-19 worldwide Pandemic required a nationwide shutdown in the United States. As of July 17, 2020, World Health Organization (WHO) (2020a) reported similar shutdowns in 216 countries, along with restrictions on nonessential international travel (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2021c). As of April 6, 2021, there have been 131,487,572 confirmed cases and 2,857,702 reported deaths from COVID-19 (World Health Organization, 2021). The Pandemic impacted people across the globe with recommendations for individuals and families to stay within their homes and wear masks if they ventured out in public. Individuals residing in nursing homes have been deeply affected by COVID-19, with many requiring intensive medical care and a large number dying from the virus. Health care professionals have arisen as global heroes as they bravely labor to save the lives of those affected by the virus. Homeless individuals have suffered a great deal as their access to food and living conditions has diminished
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