Date of Award
2023
Degree Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Cassandra Ginn
Abstract
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic occupational therapists worked through a plethora of stressors. Research concerning the mental health of occupational therapists working in inpatient settings during the COVID-19 pandemic has been underexplored. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study is to understand the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and perceptions of healthcare for occupational therapists working in inpatient settings. Ten occupational therapists, recruited via purposive sampling, completed a semi-structured interview. The transcription was coded using thematic analysis finding five main themes. The five main themes included: fear impacts occupational therapists' performance patterns; workplace barriers influence quality of care; growth from within: occupational therapists' path forward; occupational therapists living in occupational imbalance; and there is resilience in meaningful connection. In conclusion, the implication of this research provides further insight on what occupational therapists experienced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and how healthcare delivery settings can provide greater support for employees.
Recommended Citation
Long, Victoria, "Occupational Therapists’ Perceptions Of Practice During The Covid-19 Pandemic And The Impact On Their Mental Health And Well-Being" (2023). Online Theses and Dissertations. 794.
https://encompass.eku.edu/etd/794
