Shared voices of Filipino occupational therapists during the COVID-19 pandemic: reflections from an online forum

Abstract

The Philippines is one of the first countries globally to impose cordon sanitaire due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak. The situation led Filipino occupational therapists (OTs) to adapt to the consequences of this global pandemic to continue performing their personal and professional roles. While virtual-based and alternative modalities for client care were suggested, OTs are still experiencing challenges in implementing them. In response, an online forum with 30 minutes of online discussion was conducted by a group of OTs to share their voices about their personal and professional dispositions, strategies employed to continue practice, and implications of COVID-19 to the profession’s practice. Data were collected and analysed. This case study described some key themes that emerged from the online discussion using a questionnaire. Findings revealed feelings of isolation and exclusion among therapists and clients, increased awareness of alternative options to continue servicing clients, and the emancipation of ideas and reflections to guide sustainable actions in occupational therapy education, practice, and policy at present and for the future.