Aspects of the occupational therapist's performance in the hospital context in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 disease caused a pandemic, generating an overload on health services, especially in hospital institutions, due to the need for hospitalization of infected patients. Among health professionals, the occupational therapists have contributed to coping with the disease. Objective: To verify the performance of occupational therapists in hospital contexts in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: This is a cross-sectional, exploratory, descriptive study with a quantitative approach. The research was developed using Google Forms®, with data collection through a questionnaire with open and closed questions, with occupational therapists working in hospital care as participants. Data were described and statistically analyzed using Statistica 9.1 software and Fisher's exact test. Results: 36 occupational therapists participated, of which 23 treated patients with COVID-19 (63.9%). Of the participants, 75% responded that they modified their intervention with the onset of the pandemic and 91.7% considered their role fundamental during this period. The percentage of therapists who consider their performance as an occupational therapist fundamental during the pandemic in the group that worked with patients with COVID-19 (p=0.040) is significantly higher compared to the group that did not work with patients with COVID-19 (76. 9%). In caring for patients with COVID-19, most occupational therapists responded that their role was specific to the scope of their profession (86.9%) and important in combating the disease (60.8%). Conclusion: The results bring enlightening data about the interventions of occupational therapists, leading to critical-reflective discussions about the need to appropriate a new practice in a hospital context.