2022 Volume 18 Issue 1 Pages 147-155
Objective: This study aimed to clarify the influence of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on occupational therapy (OT), including changes in assessment and treatment, along with other restrictions and measures in long-term care insurance service facilities.
Methods: We conducted a questionnaire survey from representatives of OT departments in long-term care insurance service facilities in Hokkaido and obtained responses from 89 participants.
Results: More than half of the facilities remained unchanged in their assessments and treatments following the first emergency declaration, after which their responses gradually decreased. As for the content of assessment, there were increased needs, such as body temperature, health condition, and physical/cognitive changes due to disuse syndrome, while reduced opportunities were available to assess in areas, such as home environment, mobility outdoors, and instrumental activities of daily living outdoors. As for the content of treatment, while outings and group training had been discontinued, prevention of disuse syndrome had been added. The treatment also incorporated changes in methods, such as fixing the location and time. Restrictions related to OT were reported, including client participation, OT operations, and discontinuation of services. On the other hand, measures related to OT, such as thorough standard precautions, management of health conditions of the clients and housemates, and infection control measures by occupational therapists, were also mentioned.
Conclusions: Despite various restrictions, OT was provided by thoroughly implementing standard precautions, managing the physical conditions of the clients and housemates, providing new means of participant support and infection control for the influences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
