FEATURE COVID-19
‘ normality ’, we have observed this to be a very challenging and distressing experience for some family members .
A lack of physical contact has potentially shielded family and loved ones from the life-changing impact of a major trauma on the patient . In response , we have aimed to provide extra support to visitors , which has included meeting them at the entrance of the ward and supporting through donning PPE , talking them through the patient ’ s presentation and setting expectations with them , as well as completing joint therapy sessions with visitors .
In some ways , the occupational therapy role in our acute hospital is unchanged from prior to the pandemic . However , the necessary alterations made to our inpatient services has meant greater recognition of our profession within the trust , as well as our role in and the need for rehabilitation .
Internally to the department , this has led to better communication and team working between the different specialities , as well as an embrace of change and increased drive to improve .
COVID-19 rehabilitation At the start of the pandemic , as the high rehabilitation needs of COVID-19 patients became clear , the occupational therapy service set up a COVID rehab working group to review our service delivery and to identify rehabilitation needs and any areas of development .
The aim was to maintain the provision of a high quality occupational therapy service that meets the needs of the patients during COVID . The group focused on a number of areas , including :
Rehab audit : an AHP audit was completed in order to identify the rehabilitation needs and discharge pathways of COVID-19 patients , which has since been rolled out regionally .
This was with the aim of tailoring teaching and training to our therapists to ensure that they were sufficiently able to meet the needs of the COVID-19 patients .
Training and learning opportunities : In response to the above , a training package was developed . Additionally , we linked in with our colleagues in the Breathlessness Intervention Service for training via Zoom . A number of staff also attended training by the nursing education team to allow us to take patient observations .
Physiotherapy and occupational therapy newsletter : In collaboration with our physiotherapy colleagues , we developed a joint newsletter to share key resources and updates , as well as our own clinical experience , learning and success stories .
Environmental change for the better
‘‘
With COVID-19 still presenting a challenge in the acute sector , we are excited to continue improving to provide the best quality service to our patients .
As part of the environmental changes in the occupational therapy department , with the aim of becoming COVID secure , there have been some significant silver linings . Our specialty occupational therapy teams are now zoned together , rather than department wide ‘ hot desking ’. There have been a number of benefits of designated team work space , with improved staff support and camaraderie , improved team communication and a reduction in staff sick leave since the changes have been made . These are in addition to other advantages , such as reduced cross contamination and improved social distancing .
Quite rightly , many of the wider changes have been focused on the patient ’ s experience . However , this pandemic has challenged all of our staff and there is no doubt that improving communication , as well as work and rest spaces for staff , makes a significant difference , with a positive knock-on to patient care .
As for so many , working in the NHS during a pandemic has been an enormous challenge and learning curve . As a department , we are fatigued from the pressure of the last few months as well as the constant changes . However , the service development that has occurred over this period has been invaluable , and changes have occurred that may well have taken months ( if not longer ) to happen .
With COVID-19 still presenting a challenge in the acute sector , we are excited to continue improving to provide the best quality service to our patients .
Sarah Rimmer , occupational therapist and neurosciences team lead , with contributions from colleagues Emma Searle , Karen Merrison , Sarah Lester , Ann South , Jessica Tidmarsh , Rachael Rowlingson , Lisa Frisby , Victoria Howchin and Rosaline Van de Weyer . Follow :@ CUH _ OT
24 OTnews February 2021