Return to work after COVID-19: Experiences and expectations from the first wave of COVID-19 in Stockholm

Figuring Out Life After Covid-19: a Qualitative Study From Sweden

OBJECTIVE

To obtain a deeper understanding of the daily life experiences of working aged people during the year following hospitalization due to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), with a focus on function-ing in daily life and return to work.

DESIGN

An explorative qualitative study using individual interviews.

SUBJECTS

A purposive sample was selected of persons who had received inpatient hospital care, had been discharged approximately 1 year previously and were of working age.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 participants (9 men, 2 women). The interviews were transcribed and analysed with inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Four themes were identified. Navigating health, with or without support from healthcare, was described as challenging when managing consequences of COVID-19. Participants struggled with a lack of energy that interfered with daily life. It was a trial-and-error process trying to use familiar strategies in new ways to manage. The return to work process was facilitated by own strategies and support.

CONCLUSION

This study contributes increased knowledge of everyday life experiences of people 1 year following hospitalization due to COVID-19. The lack of energy and a struggle to manage health while navigating the healthcare system emphasize the importance of strengthening personal and organizational health literacy to facilitate the recovery process after severe COVID-19.

Work and Industry Occupational Therapy Career Pathways: Understanding an Underrepresented Practice Area

The involvement of occupational therapy (OT) providers in work and industry (W&I) has noticeably diminished despite the historical and ontological connection between work and occupation. Clear career expectations are necessary to introduce and retain the OT workforce in this underrepresented yet essential practice area. This study aimed to describe OT practitioners' experiences exploring and developing careers in the W&I practice area. We used an inductive thematic analysis in a multi-step, iterative process to explore experiences shared through comments and stories in response to an open-ended question in a cross-sectional online survey. Four semantic-level themes emerged, including career pathways, accumulation of expertise, professional identity, and challenges in W&I practice. Novel career paths revealed in the article underlined the limited recognition of W&I practice in OT. Structured career planning support is needed to promote the growth of this practice area.

[Occupational Therapy Guideline for the management of sequelae of viral diseases with SARS-CoV-2 : Supplement to the S1 guidelines for the management of post-viral conditions exemplified by post-COVID-19]

Sequelae of viral disease with SARS-CoV-2 impact clients' biopsychosocial health, thus their daily life, with limitations resp. barriers in their occupational capacities and opportunities. Occupational therapists have numerous and, with constantly growing evidence, personalised therapeutic means, measures, and methods in any intervention phase relevant to these according health problems, supporting i. e. coping, occupational adaptation, quality of life and participatory re-shaping of (daily) life. Based on ongoing research findings and practice evidence, this document contains recommendations for occupational therapy intervention for clients with biopsychosocial health conditions post COVID-19.