Occupational Therapy and COVID-19: Most frequent environmental modifications for returning home. Multicenter study.

Abstract

Returning home can present difficulties for post-COVID-19 patients, especially when there are changes in the persons functional level, as a consequence of prolonged immobilisation and the need for mechanical ventilation. The aim of the study is to describe the most suggested environmental modifications by occupational therapists (OT) at the time of discharge of post-COVID-19 patients and investigate their adherence to the recommendations. It is an observational, prospective, cross-sectional and multicenter study. The sample was selected by convenience. Data were collected from post-COVID- 19 patients in six inpatient rehabilitation centers in Argentina, over 18 years of age, at the time of hospitalization discharge (N=59). 90% of the sample returned to the dwelling where they previously lived. Those who did not, reported the need for assistance or supervisión as the main reason. Changes in the social environment had the greatest impact on the decision about the destination after discharge. The physical modifications were primarily related to bathroom safety. 44% of the suggestions were not carried out and were not perceived as pending. In conclusion, changes in the social context had a greater impact than those in the physical context on the choice of destination after hospital discharge. Although the approach to home accessibility was a relevant OT intervention in all cases, lack of adherence to the suggestions was observed in 44% of the sample. Future research is necessary to identify the factors that influence it.