Occupational therapy department's engagement in the organizational management of coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic in an acute care setup: Perspective from a clinical and administrative experience and a narrative review

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic came as a big challenge to the medical fraternity. The novelty of its manifestation made it clear that occupational therapy (OT) professionals would require to adapt to the ever-changing scenario of the pandemic and engage in newer roles to combat the pandemic. Objective: The objective of the study was to provide descriptive narration of the process of engagement of the OT department in handling the COVID-19 pandemic at an acute care setup. Study Design: A perspective from a clinical experience and a narrative review. Methods: Narrative account of the initiatives, challenges, preparations, and outcomes of the measures taken by the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital's (KEMH) OT Department's professionals as part of a multidisciplinary team member in combating the COVID-19 pandemic is reported. The occupational therapist at KEMH used core OT principles and teachings in treatment sessions and managerial functions to aid patients and the organization during the pandemic. Results: The measures taken by the OT department professionals at KEMH helped facilitate the management of the COVID-19 pandemic at the hospital. Being well-versed with the organization's style of functioning and philosophy enabled the OT department to work as part of a multidisciplinary team. The active participation of occupational therapists underlined their role in acute respiratory conditions. It helped OT be a part of the critical management of COVID-19 patients admitted in the hospital and at the Jumbo care centers developed by the hospital team of experts. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic allowed OT professionals to create new processes and enhance service delivery through innovative actions in an acute care setup.