Occupational Engagement and Quality of Life in Occupational Therapy Students and Professionals during Coronavirus Pandemic

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.