Date of Completion

5-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy

Keywords

telehealth, psychosocial, Covid-19

Abstract

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, health professionals including pediatric occupational therapists (OTS) mandatorily had to shift to the practice of telehealth in the absence of a safe in-person setup hindered by the outbreak. This qualitative phenomenological approach aims to determine the psychosocial experiences encountered by selected pediatric OTS in the Philippines brought by the shift to telehealth practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Purposive sampling was used in the study to gather six (6) licensed pediatric OTs who provide occupational therapy services via telehealth in the Philippines. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to obtain their psychosocial experiences. Four (4) themes emerged by the end of the study: Consequences of the shift to telehealth practice, changes during telehealth provision, increased resilience, and increased psychological strain. The said themes encompassed the experiences of pediatric occupational therapists on the shift to telehealth practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. In conclusion, telehealth encompasses advantages and disadvantages to pediatric OTs in the Philippines that affect them socially and psychologically, brought by their experiences and challenges in providing OT services through telehealth. Challenges including increased workload and psychological distress while improved occupational balance and adaptability are most commonly experienced by OTs.

First Advisor

John Paul Sevilla

Second Advisor

Noel Enrique Cruz

Download

Share

COinS