Early Career Occupational Therapists’ Experiences during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Occupational therapists entering the clinical workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic experienced levels of uncertainty and stress. This study’s aim was to explore the clinical experiences and concerns of early-career occupational therapists entering the workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 27). We administered an open-ended online survey and analyzed the data using inductive thematic analysis. Resulting themes included: safety, exposure, and transmission; implementation and enforcement of safety protocols; quality of care; and impact of the pandemic on overall health highlighting the issues that need to be addressed to be more prepared for future practice in an evolving environment.

Keywords:

• Clinical care
• COVID-19
• evidence-based practice
• occupational therapist

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.

Notes

1 Occupational deprivation is “a state of preclusion from engagement in occupations of necessity and/or meaning due to factors outside the immediate control of the individual” (Whiteford, 2000, p. 201).

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by a grant from the Spencer Foundation (201700112).

Notes on contributors

Laura VanPuymbrouck

Laura VanPuymbrouck, PhD, OTR/L, is an assistant professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Rush University. Dr. VanPuymbrouck’s research interests are informed by her clinical and professional experience as a health care provider and her participation in community-engaged collaborations with the disability community.

Carli Friedman

Carli Friedman, PhD, is the Director of Research for CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership. Dr. Friedman’s research focuses on quality of life and community integration of people with disabilities, ableism, Medicaid, and social determinants of health.