The role of occupational therapists in return-to-work practice for people with post-COVID condition: A scoping review

Abstract

PURPOSE. The purpose of this scoping review was to map the extant literature on the role of occupational therapists for people with post COVID condition returning to work. Specifically, the review described the roles of occupational therapists, identified the professionals occupational therapists work with in this practice setting, and determined whether the concept of return to work is perceived as an outcome or a process. METHOD. The review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and reported the results using PRISMA extension. A systematic database search was performed in June 2024 and was updated in February 2024 to retrieve literature published from 2021 onwards. RESULTS. A total of 33 papers from 5,106 records were included. The included records were studies that utilized case quantitative, qualitative, evidence syntheses, mixed method designs, and randomized controlled trial, whereas some were formatted as conference, evaluation, opinion, and short report papers. Occupational therapists have a wide-ranging role from providing clinical assessments and interventions, facilitating and advocating activities to prepare for work participation, and working within teams to both target clinical outcomes and facilitate return to work. To be effective in their role, occupational therapists work interprofessionally within teams composed of health, social, legal and service professionals. The concept of return to work was largely perceived as an outcome of rehabilitation and recovery, and less likely as a dynamic process that bridges patients from the health system to societal integration. CONCLUSION. Occupational therapists have a crucial role in return-to-work practice especially for people with post COVID condition.