Influences of COVID-19 pandemic and the states of emergency on occupational therapy for physical disorders: A questionnaire survey in Hokkaido, Japan

Objective: This study aimed to explore the influence of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) on occupational therapy (OT) for physical disorders, including changes in the assessment, treatment, other restrictions, and measures of OT. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among occupational therapists working in Hokkaido, Japan, and 123 out of the 334 (36.8%) were from OT facilities that target physical disorders. The responses were classified the categories and codes by [ ] and < >, respectively. Results: The number of patients decreased in 47.1% of the OT facilities after the pandemic declaration. Only one facility reported <decrease in intervention with palpation>. Therefore, [thoroughness of standard precautions] including <disinfection of materials and common use areas>, <hand hygiene>, and [changes in treatment structure] including <restriction on use of materials> were implemented. Additionally, there were not only [restrictions on participation of patients] and [restrictions on outpatient services], but also [restrictions on operations of OT], such as <cancellation or change of the methods of meetings and workshops> and so on. Furthermore, [changes in treatment structure] and [setting criteria for discontinuation of participation] were utilized in some facilities to prevent and to reduce the risk of infection. Conclusions: By revisiting the assessment and treatment guidelines on infection control, it is possible to provide continuous OT services and to tackle the challenges posed by the pandemic.