Occupational Therapy Practice for Post-Acute COVID-19 Inpatients Requiring Rehabilitation

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: COVID-19 caused significant occupational disruption to people’s life roles, with some people requiring an inpatient rehabilitation admission. Occupational therapists assessed and treated these patients using previous knowledge of similar conditions due to limited available guidelines to inform practice. The aim of this study was to investigate current practice with Post-Acute COVID-19 (PAC) patients within an inpatient rehabilitation setting in Australia, to better understand the role and impact of occupational therapy. Methods: A mixed methods study was conducted including electronic medical record audits (October 2021– October 2022), and descriptive patient interviews at a large metropolitan sub-acute service. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to summarise and interpret data. Results: A total of 24 patient electronic medical records were audited and 14 patient interviews were completed. Three overarching themes were identified within the 685 occasions of occupational therapy service audited - occupational engagement, education provision and discharge planning. Patients identified the value of occupational therapy by reflecting on their lived experiences of engaging with occupational therapists and associated changes in occupational performance between COVID-19 diagnoses and discharge home. Conclusion: Occupational therapy possess a unique skillset which directly addresses the occupational needs and priorities of PAC patients. This study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the contribution of occupational therapy to the management of COVID-19, however further research is needed to develop evidence-based practice resources and advocate for system changes that improve quality of life for COVID-19 patients.