Relationships Between Burnout and Resilience: Experiences of Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: Research on burnout among physical therapists and occupational therapists in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is limited. Resilience may be important for reducing burnout and promoting well-being among rehabilitation specialists, especially during periods of elevated occupational demand and stress. The purpose of this study was to investigate experiences of burnout, COVID-19 pandemic-related distress, and resilience among physical therapists and occupational therapists during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Physical therapists and occupational therapists working in a university-affiliated health system were invited to complete an online survey assessing burnout, COVID-19 pandemic-related distress, state- and trait-like resilience, physical activity, sleep disturbance, and financial concerns. Multiple linear regressions were used to examine variables associated with burnout as well as the contribution of specific aspects of resilience to burnout. RESULTS: Greater COVID-19 pandemic-related distress was associated with greater emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, whereas state-like resilience at work was associated with lower emotional exhaustion, greater personal accomplishment, and lower depersonalization. Analyses examining the impact of specific components of resilience at work suggested that several components are associated with less burnout, with finding one's calling being particularly relevant for all 3 domains of burnout. CONCLUSION: Symptoms of burnout were reported by many physical therapists and occupational therapists. COVID-19-related distress and state-like resilience at work, particularly the perception of finding one's calling, emerged as consistently being associated with burnout in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. IMPACT: These findings can inform the development of interventions to reduce burnout among physical therapists and occupational therapists amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

Implementation of digital health interventions in rehabilitation: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: Digital health interventions have potential to enhance rehabilitation services by increasing accessibility, affordability and scalability. However, implementation of digital interventions in rehabilitation is poorly understood. This scoping review aims to map current strategies, research designs, frameworks, outcomes and determinants used to support and evaluate the implementation of digital interventions in rehabilitation. DATA SOURCES: Comprehensive searches from inception until October 2022 of MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PEDro, SpeechBITE, NeuroBITE, REHABDATA, WHO International Clinical Trial Registry and the Cochrane Library. METHODS: Two reviewers screened studies against the eligibility criteria. Implementation science taxonomies and methods, including Powell et al.'s compilation of implementation strategies, were used to guide analysis and synthesis of findings. RESULTS: The search retrieved 13,833 papers and 23 studies were included. Only 4 studies were randomised controlled trials and 9 studies (39%) were feasibility studies. Thirty-seven discrete implementation strategies were reported across studies. Strategies related to training and educating clinicians (91%), providing interactive assistance (61%), and developing stakeholder interrelationships (43%) were most frequently reported. Few studies adequately described implementation strategies and methods for selecting strategies. Almost all studies measured implementation outcomes and determinants; most commonly, acceptability, compatibility and dose delivered of digital interventions. CONCLUSION: The rigour of implementation methods in the field is currently poor. Digital interventions require carefully planned and tailored implementation to facilitate successful adoption into rehabilitation practice. To keep pace with rapidly advancing technology, future rehabilitation research should prioritise using implementation science methods to explore and evaluate implementation while testing effectiveness of digital interventions.

Life during Covid-19: An Explorative Qualitative Study of Occupational Therapists in South Africa

This article explores the experiences of fifteen occupational therapists during the Covid-19 pandemic. Participants from rural and urban areas in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, were recruited using snowball sampling. Semi-structured interviews and personal narratives were used to collect data on occupational engagement during the pandemic. Inductive thematic analysis was used. The impact of Covid-19 on occupational engagement, occupational adaptations, factors that negatively influenced occupational engagement and enablers to occupational engagement emerged as themes. Participants experienced role changes at work and home, as well as feelings of isolation. It is essential to advocate for the role of occupation therapy during a pandemic.Ethical Clearance Number: BREC/00002587/2021

The mental health of laboratory and rehabilitation specialists during COVID-19: A rapid review.

Backgrounds: Healthcare workers have experienced considerable stress and burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among these healthcare workers are medical laboratory professionals and rehabilitation specialists, specifically, occupational therapists, and physical therapists, who all perform critical services for the functioning of a healthcare system. Purpose: This rapid review examined the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of medical laboratory professionals (MLPs), occupational therapists (OTs) and physical therapists (PTs) and identified gaps in the research necessary to understand the impact of the pandemic on these healthcare workers. Methods: We systematically searched "mental health" among MLPs, OTs and PTs using three databases (PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and CINAHL). Results: Our search yielded 8887 articles, 16 of which met our criteria. Our results revealed poor mental health among all occupational groups, including burnout, depression, and anxiety. Notably, MLPs reported feeling forgotten and unappreciated compared to other healthcare groups. In general, there is a dearth of literature on the mental health of these occupational groups before and during the pandemic; therefore, unique stressors are not yet uncovered. Conclusions: Our results highlight poor mental health outcomes for these occupational groups despite the dearth of research. In addition to more research among these groups, we recommend that policymakers focus on improving workplace cultures and embed more intrinsic incentives to improve job retention and reduce staff shortage. In future emergencies, providing timely and accurate health information to healthcare workers is imperative, which could also help reduce poor mental health outcomes.

Occupational Therapists' Experiences in Conducting Home Assessments and Modifications: Virtual Versus In-person Home Visits...American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) 99th Annual Conference, November 8-11, 2022, Chicago, Illinois

To investigate occupational therapists' experiences with home assessments and modifications in VHA, while comparing virtual to in-person home visits. A preliminary qualitative study using semi-structured individual interviews. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Based Primary Care (HBPC). Purposefully selected occupational therapists implementing home assessments and modifications for rural Veterans (N=3). Not applicable. Semi-structured individual interview via Microsoft Teams. Home visits to conduct home assessments and modifications for rural Veterans were standards of care delivery. However, travel restrictions and social distance during the COVID-19 pandemic required a shift toward virtual care. Our preliminary results show that the VA Video Connect (VVC) application allows occupational therapists to provide instant feedback and training to Veterans when new equipment is installed in the Veteran's home, without the need to drive long-distance. However, the VVC does not allow occupational therapists to measure physical features of the home, such as door threshold height and hallway width. Participants also reported difficulty evaluating Veterans' functioning, such as balance, strength, and gait pattern. Thus, the VVC improves access to the services but requires additional assistance from caregivers compared to in-home assessments. Initial home assessments are recommended to be conducted during home visits, but follow-up visits can be conducted via telehealth depending on Veterans' and caregivers' ability to utilize telehealth devices and perform self-assessments. The study team has no conflicts of interest to report.

SAGE & THYME works fine online: Presenter(s): Michael Connolly, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom

SAGE & THYME (S&T) is the most commonly taught foundation level (FL) communication skills workshop for healthcare professionals in the UK, using group work, a presentation and live rehearsals. COVID-19 necessitated online training. The programme was adapted to include: guidance on using Zoom;a presentation delivered conversational style;group work in breakout rooms;discussing a film (replacing live rehearsals);and using polls and chat to maintain engagement. Eighteen online workshops were run Oct 2020-July 2021. An online survey captured learner feedback post-workshop. Mean number of learners per workshop was 13 (minimum 5, maximum 19). Learner job roles included: nurse (37%), healthcare assistant (9%), manager (5%), and occupational therapist (4%). Of the 255 learners, 214 (84%) completed the survey. 69.2% of learners learned 'a lot', 29.0% 'a moderate amount' and 1.9% 'a little' about listening and responding to concerns. Learner rating for: 'I am more confident about listening and responding to concerns after receiving the S&T training' was: 67.5% strongly agree;31.1% agree;1.4% neither agree nor disagree. Learner rating for: 'I am more willing to talk to people who are emotionally troubled after receiving S&T training' was: 55.7% strongly agree;39.0% agree;3.8% neither agree nor disagree;1.4% disagree. When asked 'how likely is this training to influence your practice', the learners responded: 81.1% very likely;17.9% likely;0.5% neither likely/unlikely;0.5% very unlikely. 96.2% strongly agreed/agreed that they found the training enjoyable. 93.4% definitely and 6.6% possibly would recommend the training. The key learning outcomes were the same as with face-to-face training: listening fully, holding back with advice, and allowing patients to identify their own solutions. Online communication skills training for healthcare professionals can increase knowledge, change attitudes to listening and responding to concerns, be enjoyable, and motivate learners to change their practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Patient Education & Counseling is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Technology training program: Addressing the distinct telehealth challenges of occupational therapy practitioners in mental health practice

As the delivery of occupational therapy (OT) services via telehealth has dramatically expanded after the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 (AOTA, 2022), the effective utilization of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) along with psychosocial skill proficiency is at the forefront of healthcare within a mounting mental health crisis (WHO, 2022). Despite the essential application of ICTs, occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) apparently lack knowledge, skills and confidence utilizing telehealth effectively (Aboujaoude et al., 2021;Campbell et al., 2019;Chike-Harris et al., 2021;Corey, 2019;Hermes et al., 2021;Hoel et al., 2020;Larsson-Lund & Nyman, 2019;McClellan et al., 2020;Miranda-Duro et al., 2021). Moreover, research suggests that OTPs further lack confidence incorporating psychosocial abilities and personal attributes, such as therapeutic use of self (Anderson & Halbakken, 2020;Birken et al., 2017;Taylor, 2020). These obstacles jeopardize the distinct value of OT in mental health, as well as the overall viability of the profession. The Technology Training Program (TTP) is a multi-module, curriculum-based ICT skills training intervention that promotes professional advancement in these areas of clinical practice. OTP proficiency in technology and psychosocial skills is a crucial investment that promotes overall competence and self-efficacy to successfully meet global challenges and healthcare demands within a rapidly evolving digital landscape. . (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Research Priority 3: 'How can occupational therapists work more effectively with the family and carers of people who access services?'

The article reports that research is an essential pillar that supports profession. Topics include examines it plays a crucial role in ensuring that are providing evidence-based, cost-effective and impactful services that improve the lives of the individuals, groups and communities that rely upon them and considered it is also instrumental in promoting innovation and helps to adapt to future challenges.

Technology training program: Addressing the distinct telehealth challenges of occupational therapy practitioners in mental health practice

As the delivery of occupational therapy (OT) services via telehealth has dramatically expanded after the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 (AOTA, 2022), the effective utilization of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) along with psychosocial skill proficiency is at the forefront of healthcare within a mounting mental health crisis (WHO, 2022). Despite the essential application of ICTs, occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) apparently lack knowledge, skills and confidence utilizing telehealth effectively (Aboujaoude et al., 2021;Campbell et al., 2019;Chike-Harris et al., 2021;Corey, 2019;Hermes et al., 2021;Hoel et al., 2020;Larsson-Lund & Nyman, 2019;McClellan et al., 2020;Miranda-Duro et al., 2021). Moreover, research suggests that OTPs further lack confidence incorporating psychosocial abilities and personal attributes, such as therapeutic use of self (Anderson & Halbakken, 2020;Birken et al., 2017;Taylor, 2020). These obstacles jeopardize the distinct value of OT in mental health, as well as the overall viability of the profession. The Technology Training Program (TTP) is a multi-module, curriculum-based ICT skills training intervention that promotes professional advancement in these areas of clinical practice. OTP proficiency in technology and psychosocial skills is a crucial investment that promotes overall competence and self-efficacy to successfully meet global challenges and healthcare demands within a rapidly evolving digital landscape. . (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Factors Affecting Resiliency in Outpatient Pediatric Occupational Therapist...American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) Annual Conference, November 8-11, 2022, Chicago, Illinois

1. To investigate the resilience of pediatric occupational therapy practitioners during the Covid-19 pandemic. 2. To investigate the factors that may contribute to resilience levels in occupational therapists. This short-term, mixed-methods study utilized an electronic survey that consisted of demographic, qualitative, and quantitative questions to examine what factors were in place to aid in the overall resilience of pediatric occupational therapy practitioners working in an outpatient setting. Study setting included a pediatric outpatient clinic located in the suburbs of a small, midwestern city. A voluntary response sample was recruited from an outpatient pediatric therapy clinic in Iowa. Eleven (n=11) occupational therapy practitioners met the inclusion criteria and completed at least 50% of the survey. Participants voluntarily completed the electronic survey that was shared via an anonymous survey link. Twenty-one survey questions collected demographic, qualitative, and quantitative data. The survey included ten questions adapted from the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R) which is used to measure optimism versus pessimism. Four additional qualitative questions were included to assess protective factors for psychosocial resilience and implications resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic. The results of the LOT-R demonstrated that the participants who had prior resilience training did not display a greater level of resilience or perceived ability to overcome adversity when compared to those who did not have prior resilience training. Positive resilience themes that emerged from the qualitative data include having a support system, practicing safety precautions, and taking life one day at a time. Future research should consider factors that support caregivers, specifically occupational therapy practitioners and their quality of life. By understanding what factors contribute to resilience levels, these factors can further be implemented and supported in the workplace environment. Targeted education and training for practitioners focused on resilience building should be considered. This implementation could lead to stronger support networks and reduced burnout and compassion fatigue resulting in better resilience outcomes. No known conflicts to declare.

INTERACTING WITH ART: HEALING FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Can visual interaction with artwork prompt healing? Can the brain recover from traumatic experiences and help heal the whole body? Since the 1940s, art therapists have claimed that the production of art can help heal past traumas. Similarly, occupational therapists have employed techniques from arts and crafts since the end of World War II to retrain soldiers helping them recover from the trauma of war. The global Covid-19 pandemic has caused health-related and psychological problems-isolation, increased anxiety, and fear-for people of all ages, with the rates of such traumas affecting children tripling over the past two years. According to the Nebraska-based quilting company, Accuquilt, during the first six months of pandemic isolation in 2020, sales more than doubled as new customers showed a desire to participate in arts and crafts from home. This essay explores various approaches to the arts to determine how art may restore dignity and health following traumatic experiences.

Manifestation of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Its Association With Somatic Symptoms Among Occupational and Physical Therapists During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the level of generalized anxiety disorder among occupational and physical therapists during treatment sessions and its association with somatic symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used in this study. Data were collected during the month of April 2021, and the study included occupational and physical therapists who practiced during COVID-19 from March 2020 to March 2021. The generalized anxiety disorder scale (GAD-7) and a modified patient health questionnaire (mPHQ-15) were used to examine self-reported anxiety and somatic symptoms among the study participants. The independent t-test was used to determine differences between groups based on GAD-7 and mPHQ-15 results. Spearman's correlation test and chi-squared test were used to find the relationships between different variables such as anxiety and somatic symptoms. Results: The study (n = 98 participants) included 56 occupational and 42 physical therapists. An 84% response rate was achieved. GAD-7 final score was µ = 9.21 ± 5.63 with 27% reporting no anxiety, 14% mild, 38% moderate, and 21% severe. Independent t-tests on GAD-7 scores showed significant differences between therapist specializations [t(96) = -2.256; p = 0.026] and between therapists residing with or without their parents [t(96) = -2.536; p = 0.013]. The mPHQ-15 final score was µ = 9.52 ± 5.54 with 13% reporting no symptoms (n = 13), 20% mild (n = 20), 38% moderate (n = 37), and 29% severe (n = 28). GAD-7 and mPHQ-15 scores were moderately positively correlated [r(96) = 0.569; p <0.000]. The chi-squared test showed a significant association between GAD-7 levels of anxiety and mPHQ-15 levels of somatic symptoms [x2(9, N = 98) = 70.62 p <0.000]. Therapists reported that the quality (76%) and effectiveness (20%) of their rehabilitation services were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: The majority of study participants experienced moderate to severe anxiety and associated somatic symptoms. During COVID-19, ongoing psychological counseling of healthcare professionals such as occupational and physical therapists is required to maintain positive mental health. Implications for practice are presented.

Perceived Social Support and Depression Among Occupational Therapists in Hong Kong During COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression and the level of perceived social support among occupational therapists during the pandemic, and to identify any associations between depression and perceived social support. METHODS: Using convenience and snowball sampling, occupational therapists aged ≥18 years who were working in Hong Kong and able to read and understand Chinese were invited to participate in a survey between January 2021 and April 2021 (during the fourth wave of COVID-19 pandemic). Data collected included age, sex, education level, employment status, marital status, living status, level of perceived social support (measured by the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support [MSPSS-C]) and level of depression (measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]). RESULTS: 87 occupational therapists completed the survey. The mean MSPSS-C score was 67.87; 88.5% of participants had a high level of perceived social support. The mean PHQ-9 score was 4.67; 59.8% of participants had no or minimal depression and 11.5% of participants had clinical depression. The MSPSS-C score negatively correlated with the PHQ-9 score (rs = -0.401, p < 0.001). In regression analysis, the MSPSS-C score was associated with the PHQ-9 score (F(1, 85) = 44.846, r = 0.588, p < 0.001). About 34.5% of the variance of the PHQ-9 score was accounted for by the MSPSS-C score. CONCLUSION: Higher level of perceived social support is associated with lower level of depression. Social support might serve as a protective factor for depression among occupational therapists in Hong Kong during the pandemic.

Helping people overcome suicidal thoughts, urges and behaviour: Suicide-focused intervention skills for health and social care professionals

Helping People Overcome Suicidal Thoughts, Urges and Behaviour draws together practical and effective approaches to help individuals at risk of suicide. The book provides a framework and outlines skills for anyone working with adults who present with suicidal thoughts or intent. Part 1 introduces a basic understanding of our knowledge about suicide and UK policy;Part 2 outlines the research into the treatment of suicidality and the general principles for working in the safest possible way. Part 3 outlines ten key psychological skills in the context of evidence-based best practice. The book also discusses the role of health and social care professionals in the prevention of suicide in the context of Covid-19. The book will be a valuable addition to the resources of professionals including psychotherapists, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, prison and probation officers, drug and alcohol workers, general practitioners and support staff in any health or social care context. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY OUTCOMES ON ADULTS MECHANICALLY VENTILATED SECONDARY TO COVID-19

B Introduction: b Occupational therapists rehabilitate individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 from the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial deficits resulting from their stay in the intensive care unit (ICU). 20% of patients were assessed for delirium using the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU);all patients identified were assessed by OT (76.9% of ICU patients with OT). [Extracted from the article] Copyright of Critical Care Medicine is the property of Lippincott Williams & Wilkins and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

The impact of COVID-19 restrictions on occupational balance: A mixed method study of the experience of Australian occupational therapists.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 has seen unprecedented changes to the daily occupational lives of citizens across the globe as a result social and physical restrictions. Frontline healthcare workers health and wellbeing have been impacted but what of occupational balance? The aim of this study was to investigate if there was a change in the occupational balance of occupational therapists working in a metropolitan hospital during a COVID-19 lockdown. METHODS: All occupational therapists working in a metropolitan hospital were invited to participate in an online survey. Occupational Balance was measured using the Occupational Balance Questionnaire-11 (OBQ11). Participants retrospectively rated their occupational balance before COVID-19 restrictions were in place and again rated their current status during the restrictions. Participants were also asked to comment on strategies used to help them during the COVID-19 restrictions. RESULTS: Forty-two occupational therapists completed the survey. The mean total score prior to the COVID-19 restrictions was 19.4 and during restrictions was 19.0 (Z = -0.4, p = 0.68). There was a significant decrease in having sufficient to do during the COVID-19 restrictions (Z = -3.6, p < 0.001). Satisfaction with how time was spent in rest, recovery and sleep significantly increased during the restrictions (Z = -3.3, p = 0.001). Strategies used included engaging in valued activities, finding alternate ways of doing and showing gratitude. CONCLUSION: Occupational balance of occupational therapists remained high and satisfaction in how time was spent improved during COVID-19 restrictions. Occupational therapists implemented their own theoretical approach of adaptation to cope with the COVID-19 restrictions.