RCOT has published the findings from its survey on the impact of COVID-19 on occupational therapy.
98% of participants shared that the pandemic impacted their role, responsibilities and duties with a third redeployed to a different team. 60% were providing an alternative method of occupational therapy service delivery, such as remote delivery.
The survey responses revealed that the impact of COVID-19 on occupational therapy has been profound and varied.
The pandemic has changed occupational therapists’ roles in acute services and highlighted ways their skills can be better used, especially in rehabilitation. One occupational therapist shared, “completing early rehab has shown the benefits of having OTs in the ICU, and has led to a business case being put forward to have OT positions funded on all ICUs in the hospital.”
It has also led to the development of new skills, and expanded roles and opportunities. An occupational therapist working in respiratory medicine and with ICU step downs shared, “as a service we have networked with our community colleagues and developed a COVID rehab pathway. I have learnt a lot and it is an experience I will never forget.”
Many had to work from home with greater dependency on technology, whilst two-thirds of participants experienced changes that they would like to continue in the future. “We can provide a more equitable service as patients do not need to travel to us. Thus, remote working should continue in some form,” shared one occupational therapist.
Services and individuals were also financially affected through furlough, redundancy and loss of business. Looking forward, the pandemic will continue to impact on the health and wellbeing not only of people accessing occupational therapy services, but also professionals and students too, which will affect demand for mental health support.
1,500 occupational therapy professionals and students from all four nations in the UK took part in the survey which ran in June-July 2020. The survey explored the impact of the pandemic on the profession and roles, responsibilities and duties.
RCOT will use these findings to shape how it supports members to maintain their response to the pandemic and develop their skills in this time of unprecedented change.
Key survey findings
RCOT has shared the key survey findings as an infographic which is available for download below.
Full survey report
RCOT has published a full report of the survey findings with recommendations which is available for download below.