Misericordia Research Project Examines the Effect of the Covid Pandemic on Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Students

A research study conducted by Dr. Grace Sheldon Fisher and ten members of the Class of 2021 Misericordia University Weekend Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Program was published in the January 24, 2022 edition of the Open Journal of Social Sciences. 

The survey-based research project entitled "Occupational Engagement and Quality of Life in Occupational Therapy Students and Professionals During the Coronavirus Pandemic" was co-authored by Dr. Fisher and MUOT graduates Michelle Ahlberg, Audubon, PA; Cassandra Cragle, Trucksville; Diana Kudeh, North Bergen, NJ; Martha Laytos, Scranton; Karen Lopes, Mountainside, NJ; Christin Riesterer, Pine Grove Mills, PA; Marisa Sedon, Bear Creek Twp.; Andrea Scott, Green Lane, PA; Lindsay Sock, Lansdale, PA; and Joshua Victor, Nanticoke. Dr. Dawn Evans served as the faculty research reader on the project. 

This nationwide study addressed how occupational engagement and quality of life were affected in occupational therapy students and professionals during the 2019 COVID-19 pandemic.

The group's research report stated: "The study sought to identify how the COVID-19 Pandemic has been affecting the lives, occupational engagement, and quality of life of OT professionals and OT students. The study examined how these individuals were coping with challenges caused by the Pandemic, such as fear of the virus, job stress, unemployment, educational curtailment, and social isolation. By understanding how OT professionals and students have been functioning during the Pandemic, we aimed to identify positive ways the OT profession can help others during future pandemics and other crises."

The study and its results are posted online on Occupational Engagement and Quality of Life in Occupational Therapy Students and Professionals During Coronavirus Pandemic (scirp.org).

Positive effects may emerge for the OT profession because of the Pandemic. Occupational therapists may be more adept at quickly and efficiently adjusting to future unforeseen circumstances. As a result of COVID-19, many practitioners have acquired new skill sets, such as providing services with limited resources or in an alternate format. Occupational therapy practitioners may also have a deeper appreciation for their clients’ perspectives having endured the COVID-19 Pandemic, according to the research online report. 

The group's research article also stated: "Just as sickness and injury force clients to abandon previous habits, roles, and routines, the Pandemic uprooted the OT practitioners’ practices. It bred a sense of connection between the OT profession and other education and healthcare disciplines. Many worked closely together to serve the public, keep them safe, and fight COVID-19. As a profession, our challenge is to now proceed bravely into the future to strengthen alliances, deepen and expand our services, and ultimately serve humanity to the best of our ability."