Was a global pandemic needed to adopt the use of telehealth in occupational therapy?

Work ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Viktoria Hoel ◽  
Claudia von Zweck ◽  
Ritchard Ledgerd ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
World Federation ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Traditional Service ◽  
Facilitators And Barriers ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND: An analysis of data from an international survey was undertaken to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on telehealth practice in occupational therapy worldwide, in addition to facilitators and barriers in utilising this form of service delivery. METHOD: The global online survey was circulated in the occupational therapy community by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) between April and July 2020, collecting responses to closed-ended questions, in addition to free-text comments. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were used to assess relationships between respondent characteristics and the utilisation of telehealth. Thematic statement analysis provided further insight regarding factors impacting telehealth use. RESULTS: Findings revealed a significant increase in the use of telehealth strategies with the onset of the pandemic among survey respondents, with many reported benefits. Bivariate analyses indicated telehealth users were more likely to score higher feelings of safety and positive work morale, as well as perceive employer expectations to be reasonable. Restricted access to technology, limitations of remote practice, funding issues and slow pace of change were identified as barriers for some respondents for use of telehealth. Facilitators included availability of supportive policy, guidelines and strategies, in addition to education and training. CONCLUSION: This study advances the understanding of the current scope of occupational therapy telehealth practice in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Although results suggest long-term potential for telehealth use as an adjunct to traditional service provision, important considerations were identified regarding factors influencing integration of such strategies.

scholarly journals EP.TU.833The F2 Cohort of COVID19: The impact on Career development – a survey analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Whitton
Keyword(s):  
Career Development ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Survey Analysis ◽  
Personal Lives ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Foundation Trusts ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Main Influence

Abstract In March 2020 the coronavirus outbreak was announced as a global pandemic by WHO, in response to the pandemic the NHS underwent huge changes. This included recalling foundation doctors and cancelling the changeover into their final rotations. There have been studies into the impact of the pandemic on junior doctor training and wellbeing, however none looking specifically at their career development. An online survey was distributed to a cohort of Foundation Year 2 Doctors (F2s) in one NHS trust. This specifically asked about the impact of not rotating, specialty tasters, courses and the overall impact of the pandemic. The results of this study show that F2 doctors report weaker specialty applications alongside missed career development opportunities. However, the main influence of COVID-19 was reported to be on the cohort’s personal lives. This study concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected both F2 doctor’s professional and personal lives, and it would be useful to follow up the cohort’s career development in the long-term as well as investigate the impacts in other NHS foundation trusts in the country.

scholarly journals Are public health measures and individualised care compatible in the face of a pandemic? A national observational study of bereaved relatives’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 026921632110198
Author(s):  
Catriona R Mayland ◽  
Rosemary Hughes ◽  
Steven Lane ◽  
Tamsin McGlinchey ◽  
Warren Donnellan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Family Support ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Professional Networks ◽  
Dying Patients ◽  
The Face ◽  
Individualised Care ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Informative Communication

Background: COVID-19 public health restrictions have affected end-of-life care experiences for dying patients and their families. Aim: To explore bereaved relatives’ experiences of quality of care and family support provided during the last days of life; to identify the impact of factors associated with perceived support. Design: A national, observational, open online survey was developed and disseminated via social media, public fora and professional networks (June–September 2020). Validated instruments and purposively designed questions assessed experiences. Analysis used descriptive statistics, logistic regression and thematic analysis of free-text responses. Participants: Individuals (⩾18 years) who had experienced the death of a relative/friend (all care settings) within the United Kingdome during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Respondents ( n = 278, mean 53.4 years) tended to be female ( n = 216, 78%); over half were ‘son/daughter’ (174, 62.6%) to the deceased. Deceased individuals (mean 81.6 years) most frequently died in their ‘usual place of care’ ( n = 192, 69.3%). Analysis established five conceptual themes affecting individualised care: (1) public health restrictions compounding the distress of ‘not knowing’; (2) disparate views about support from doctors and nurses; (3) challenges in communication and level of preparedness for the death; (4) delivery of compassionate care; (5) emotional needs and potential impact on grief. Male respondents (OR 2.9, p = 0.03) and those able to visit (OR 2.2, p = 0.04) were independently associated with good perceptions of family support. Conclusion: Despite public health restrictions, individualised care can be enabled by proactive, informative communication; recognising dying in a timely manner and facilitating the ability to be present before death.

scholarly journals The Influence of Human–Animal Interactions on Mental and Physical Health during the First COVID-19 Lockdown Phase in the U.K.: A Qualitative Exploration

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 976 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Shoesmith ◽  
Lion Shahab ◽  
Dimitra Kale ◽  
Daniel S. Mills ◽  
Catherine Reeve ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
Human Animal Interaction ◽  
Animal Interaction ◽  
The Impact

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presents an opportunity to explore the role of animals as sources of emotional and physical support during a period when most of the population is experiencing social and environmental challenges. We investigated how companion animal owners perceived the influence of human–animal interaction on their physical and mental health during the first COVID-19 lockdown phase in the U.K., and what concerns they had regarding their animals at this time. We also explored the impact of participants’ interaction with non-companion animals during this phase. A cross-sectional online survey of U.K. residents aged over 18 was conducted between April and June 2020. The final item of the survey invited open-ended free-text responses, allowing participants to describe any experiences and/or perceptions of their human–animal relationships during the COVID-19 lockdown phase. A qualitative thematic analysis of responses was undertaken. Four main themes related to the following aspects of human–animal interactions during the COVID-19 lockdown phase were identified: the positive impact of animal ownership during the COVID-19 lockdown (e.g., amelioration of wellbeing and mental health), concerns relating to animal ownership during the COVID-19 lockdown (e.g., concerns over animals carrying the COVID-19 virus), grief and loss of an animal during the COVID-19 lockdown and the impact of engaging with non-companion animals during the COVID-19 lockdown. The findings complement and extend previous insights into the impact of human–animal interaction with both companion and non-companion animals. They also highlight the challenges of caring for an animal during the lockdown phase and indicate the need to consider the development of further targeted support strategies, such as “day care” for the companion animals of key workers in this context.

scholarly journals Use of Artificial Intelligence to understand adults’ thoughts and behaviours relating to COVID-19

2021 ◽  
pp. 175791392097933
Author(s):  
SW Flint ◽  
A Piotrkowicz ◽  
K Watts
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Severe Illness ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Community Recovery ◽  
Substantial Impact ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviours ◽  
Artificial Intelligence Methods ◽  
High Concern ◽  
The Impact

Aims: The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic that has had substantial impact across societies. An attempt to reduce infection and spread of the disease, for most nations, has led to a lockdown period, where people’s movement has been restricted resulting in a consequential impact on employment, lifestyle behaviours and wellbeing. As such, this study aimed to explore adults’ thoughts and behaviours in response to the outbreak and resulting lockdown measures. Methods: Using an online survey, 1126 adults responded to invitations to participate in the study. Participants, all aged 18 years or older, were recruited using social media, email distribution lists, website advertisement and word of mouth. Sentiment and personality features extracted from free-text responses using Artificial Intelligence methods were used to cluster participants. Results: Findings demonstrated that there was varied knowledge of the symptoms of COVID-19 and high concern about infection, severe illness and death, spread to others, the impact on the health service and on the economy. Higher concerns about infection, illness and death were reported by people identified at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Behavioural clusters, identified using Artificial Intelligence methods, differed significantly in sentiment and personality traits, as well as concerns about COVID-19, actions, lifestyle behaviours and wellbeing during the COVID-19 lockdown. Conclusions: This time-sensitive study provides important insights into adults’ perceptions and behaviours in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown. The use of Artificial Intelligence has identified that there are two behavioural clusters that can predict people’s responses during the COVID-19 pandemic, which goes beyond simple demographic groupings. Considering these insights may improve the effectiveness of communication, actions to reduce the direct and indirect impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and to support community recovery.

scholarly journals Experiences of nurses caring for respiratory patients during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: an online survey study

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e000987
Author(s):  
Nicola J Roberts ◽  
Carol A Kelly ◽  
Kate A Lippiett ◽  
Emma Ray ◽  
Lindsay Welch
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
British Thoracic Society ◽  
Healthcare Team ◽  
Free Text ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundNurses have been at the forefront of the pandemic response, involved in extensive coordination of services, screening, vaccination and front-line work in respiratory, emergency and intensive care environments. The nature of this work is often intense and stress-provoking with an inevitable psychological impact on nurses and all healthcare workers. This study focused on nurses working in respiratory areas with the aim of identifying and characterising the self-reported issues that exacerbated or alleviated their concerns during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsAn online survey was developed consisting of 90 questions using a mixture of open-ended and closed questions. Participant demographic data were also collected (age, gender, ethnicity, number of years qualified, details of long-term health conditions, geographical location, nursing background/role and home life). The online survey was disseminated via social media and professional respiratory societies (British Thoracic Society, Primary Care Respiratory Society, Association of Respiratory Nurse Specialists) over a 3-week period in May 2020 and the survey closed on 1 June 2020.ResultsThe study highlights the experiences of nurses caring for respiratory patients during the first wave of the pandemic in early 2020. Concerns were expressed over the working environment, the supply and availability of adequate protective personal equipment, the quality of care individuals were able to deliver, and the impact on mental health to nurses and their families. A high number provided free-text comments around their worries and concerns about the impact on their household; these included bringing the virus home, the effect on family members worrying about them, mental health and the impact of changing working patterns, and managing with children. Although both formal and informal support were available, there were inconsistencies in provision, highlighting the importance of nursing leadership and management in ensuring equity of access to services.ConclusionsSupport for staff is essential both throughout the pandemic and afterwards, and it is important that preparation of individuals regarding building resilience is recognised. It is also clear that psychological support and services for nurses and the wider healthcare team need to be available and quickly convened in the event of similar major incidents, either global or local.

Workplace mental health: Current practice and support needs of Ontario occupational therapists

2018 ◽  
Vol 85 (5) ◽  
pp. 408-417
Author(s):  
Sandra E. Moll ◽  
Caitlin M. Heino ◽  
Alison H. LeBlanc ◽  
Lydia B. Beck ◽  
Laura M. Kalef
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Support Needs ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Related Services ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Workplace Mental Health

Background. Workplace mental health (WMH) is an important and expanding practice area for occupational therapists. Purpose. This cross-sectional study explores the current practices and support needs of Ontario-based occupational therapists in WMH. Method. Registrants from the provincial association who provide mental health and/or work-related services were invited to participate. Ninety-three therapists completed an online survey; 10 participated in follow-up focus groups. Analysis involved descriptive statistics of the survey data and content analysis of the focus group data. Findings. Return to work, reactivation, and functional cognitive assessment were the most commonly reported services. Key challenges were limited funding and training and lack of awareness of the occupational therapy role. Therapists emphasized the importance of raising the competence, credibility, and profile of occupational therapy in WMH. Implications. Defining the role of occupational therapy, developing training and resources, and advocacy are needed to advance occupational therapy practice within this rapidly changing field.

Limitations on Participation and Their Relation to Social Determinants of Health Among Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Students During Coronavirus Lockdown

2021 ◽  
Vol 75 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuria Menéndez Álvarez ◽  
Emiliano Diez Villoria ◽  
Estíbaliz Jimenez Arberas ◽  
Ana María Castaño Pérez ◽  
Antonio León García Izquierdo
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Social Determinants Of Health ◽  
Social Determinants ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Determinants Of Health ◽  
World Health ◽  
International Classification Of Functioning ◽  
Occupational Therapy Students ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Importance: For the first time in recent history, people worldwide have faced severe restrictions in occupations because of the measures adopted by governments to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis. Objective: To determine the limitations on participation of occupational therapists and occupational therapy students during “lockdown” and their impact on social determinants of health. Design: A cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted via an online survey. Participants: A total of 488 occupational therapists and occupational therapy students in North America, South America, and Europe. Outcomes and Measures: A questionnaire consisting of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health and items developed to assess the impact of lockdown on daily life was emailed to occupational therapy professional associations, organizations, and universities between April and June 2020. It was available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese and met all the parameters listed in the Declaration of Helsinki. Results: The roles and routines of people across the developed world have been affected by lockdown measures. The study shows marked differences between participants in the domains of getting along and life activities, as well as influence on the environment. Moreover, South American participants experienced these difficulties to a greater extent than European participants. Conclusions and Relevance: This study quantifies the limitations in the participation of occupational therapists and occupational therapy students and the relationship of occupation to social determinants of health. What This Article Adds: The results of this research corroborate the relationship between health and occupation and highlight elements, such as the environment and context, that are important in occupational therapy. Therapists’ ability to analyze occupation in relation to contextual and cultural factors will benefit clients.

scholarly journals Assessing fitness to drive after stroke

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-129
Author(s):  
Aisling Helen Stack ◽  
Orla Duggan ◽  
Tadhg Stapleton
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Clinical Guidelines ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Fitness To Drive ◽  
Therapy Evaluation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Evaluation Practices ◽  
Education Training

Purpose The assessment of fitness to drive after stroke is an emerging area of occupational therapy practice in Ireland. Despite this, little is known about occupational therapists’ evaluation practices, and there are no internationally agreed clinical guidelines to inform best practice. The purpose of this paper is to investigate occupational therapy evaluation practices for fitness to drive after stroke in Ireland. Design/methodology/approach This is a cross-sectional study design targeting occupational therapists working with people after stroke using an online survey. Summary and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the returned surveys. Findings In total, 47 occupational therapists participated. Off-road driving assessment was completed by 68 per cent of respondents. Functional assessment and non-driving-specific assessments were most widely used and perceived to be the most useful in informing the off-road assessment. A total of 89 per cent referred clients for on-road assessments; however, some referred without first completing an off-road assessment. The therapists who completed formal post graduate education/training in driving assessment reported greater confidence and competence in their skills and ability to assess fitness to drive. A vast majority of participants agreed that clinical guidelines regarding best practice in this area would be beneficial. Research limitations/implications A majority of occupational therapists are assessing fitness to drive after stroke in Ireland with non-driving-specific assessments and functional observations; however, there are many gaps and wide variations between services. Education/training in evaluating fitness to drive after stroke is recommended. The development of clinical guidelines to inform practice would facilitate a consistent approach nationally. Originality/value This is the first study completed in Ireland to investigate occupational therapy evaluation practices for fitness to drive after stroke.

scholarly journals Researchers’ perceptions of malaria eradication: findings from a mixed-methods analysis of a large online survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joe Brew ◽  
Menno Pradhan ◽  
Jacqueline Broerse ◽  
Quique Bassat
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Free Form ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Specific Investments ◽  
Uncertain Outcome ◽  
Malaria Eradication ◽  
Global Eradication

Abstract Background The value of malaria eradication, the permanent reduction to zero of the worldwide incidence of malaria infection caused by human malaria parasites, would be enormous. However, the expected value of an investment in an intended, but uncertain, outcome hinges on the probability of, and time until, its fulfilment. Though the long-term benefits of global malaria eradication promise to be large, the upfront costs and uncertainty regarding feasibility and timeframe make it difficult for policymakers and researchers to forecast the return on investment. Methods A large online survey of 844 peer-reviewed malaria researchers of different scientific backgrounds administered in order to estimate the probability and time frame of eradication. Adjustments were made for potential selection bias, and thematic analysis of free text comments was carried out. Results The average perceived likelihood of global eradication among malaria researchers approximates the number of years into the future: approximately 10% of researchers believe that eradication will occur in the next 10 years, 30% believe it will occur in the next 30 years, and half believe eradication will require 50 years or more. Researchers who gave free form comments highlighted systemic challenges and the need for innovation as chief among obstacles to achieving global malaria eradication. Conclusions The findings highlight the difficulty and complexity of malaria eradication, and can be used in prospective cost–benefit analyses to inform stakeholders regarding the likely return on eradication-specific investments.

scholarly journals Declaração de posição telessaúde/Position statement telehealth

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 416-421
Author(s):  
World Federation of Occupational Therapist - WFOT ◽  
Kátia Maki Omura ◽  
Gonçalo Carreteiro
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Position Statement ◽  
Legal Issues ◽  
World Federation ◽  
The World ◽  
Ethical And Legal Issues ◽  
Challenges And Strategies

O presente manuscrito trata-se de uma tradução do posicionamento da Federação Mundial de Terapeutas Ocupacionais (WFOT) sobre o atendimento em telessaúde, esclarecendo as definições, os seus desafios e estratégias, trazendo o esclarecimento sobre questões éticas e legais sobre a modalidade de atendimento não presencial, além de destacar a abordagem centrada no cliente como estratégia profissional. AbstractThe present manuscript is a translation of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) position statement on telehealth care, clarifying definitions, challenges and strategies, bringing clarification on ethical and legal issues regarding non- in person health care, in addition to highlighting the client-centered approach as a professional strategy.Key words: Telehealth; Occupational Therapy; Client-centredness in occupational therapy. ResumenEl presente manuscrito es una traducción de la declaración de posición de la Federación Mundial de Terapeutas Ocupacionales (WFOT, por sus siglas en inglés) sobre atención de telesalud, aclarando definiciones, desafíos y estrategias, brindando aclaraciones sobre cuestiones éticas y legales relacionadas con la atención de salud no en persona, además de destacar al cliente enfoque centrado como una estrategia profesional.Palabras clave: Telesalud; Terapia ocupacional; terapia ocupacional Centrado en el cliente.   

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