WFOT Position Statement of Occupational Therapy and The COVID-19 Pandemic

In occupational therapy, occupations refer to the everyday activities that people do as individuals, in families and with communities to occupy time and bring meaning and purpose to life. As a profession we recognise the consequences and changes that are occurring in how people access and undertake their occupations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These include, but are not limited to: accessing resources, activities of daily living, communication, mobility, social isolation, displacement, mental health and wellbeing.

Occupational therapists understand the vital need to access and use infection control measures combined with the need to sustain good psychological, mental health and stamina in order to stay safe and healthy.

Occupational therapists will be working with people to develop strategies to facilitate continued access to their occupations., These will include, but will not be limited to: individual, family, community, social and environmental adaptation, mental health, assistive technology and telehealth.