Abstract
Introduction
A series of restrictive health care measures emerged limiting actions that include the work of occupational therapists and proposing adaptations to provide care to people who require it.
Objective
To identify the impact and adaptations in the care of Occupational Therapy clinical professionals due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia.
Methods
Cross-sectional study that applies an online questionnaire in January-February 2021 to Colombian occupational therapists in clinical/hospital settings. Sociodemographic variables, clinical professional practice, and the impact of COVID-19 in terms of job loss, modifications, and adaptations for the intervention were analyzed. Descriptive analyzes are performed by variable and a Chi-square test of independence is applied for associations between variables.
Results
382 Colombian occupational therapists participated. The average time of professional practice was 10.8 years. Of the total, 89% worked before the pandemic and continued their work, and at least 64% claimed that they lost their job due to COVID-19. Of those who continued to work, 20.5% did so virtually and 79.5% in a face-to-face clinic. On a virtual level, 89% did it due to a job requirement and at least 53% did it without training in telehealth. In face-to-face, 68% reported restrictions in the actions practiced and decreased referrals to therapy.
Conclusions
The pandemic has resized the actions of the occupational therapist, has modified the means and forms of intervention, allowing the reinvention of their work.
Keywords:
Occupational Therapy; Coronavirus Infections; Professional Practice; Professional Competence; Rehabilitation; COVID-19