Abstract
This mixed-methods study consists of quantitative research using questionnaires and qualitative research using focus group discussion. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the COVID-19 on occupational engagement of physical, developmental, learning and psychosocial impairment clients and study of their needs for healthcare services, and adaptation of OT services in public and private hospital. Addition with the impact on practical fieldwork education and guideline for solution. The Occupational Therapists (OTs) (n = 153) were asked to complete the questionnaires while those (n = 45) were invited to once in focus group sessions. Results showed that COVID-19 has caused a negative impact on clients with occupational deprivation owing to uncontrolled situations especially social participation and health management. Three service types provided by the OTs in the pandemic have emerged along with infection control which are onsite, online or telehealth, and hybrid. OTs are developing telethealth services by use information and communication technology or social media through telephone, the LINE application, and VDO calls. Performances evaluation and home-based rehab training activities were provided according to the personal context. Caregiver consultation and education with media resources were innovatively enhanced in various channels. Contributing and barrier factors related to the institute’s policy, supporting infrastructure and readiness to use digital technology-assisted devices was highlighted in both service providers and clients. The impact of COVID-19 on occupational therapy students (OTS) were lack of fieldwork settings and clinical skills due to the decrease in number of clients. To maintain standards of clinical teaching in fieldwork placements, a combination of online case simulation and real client practice was used. The necessary skills for enhancing OTS’s competency in this situation were awareness and practice according to the infection control procedure, resilience skills, good communication, and the creation of innovative skills for telehealth services to be an OTs who response with the needs of client and society in the future.
