Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health Amongst Rehabilitation Health Professionals.

Aims: Previous research during novel disease outbreaks shows mental health amongst frontline healthcare workers to be of concern. Currently, there are limited data regarding mental health of rehabilitation professionals working through the COVID-19 pandemic in the acute care setting. This research examines the impact on mental health amongst rehabilitation professionals working in the acute care setting during the COVID-19 pandemic to better understand what administrative policies can be implemented to support workers.

Methods: The study administered a 22-question online survey to 221 occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists working in acute care/hospital settings. Data collection occurred over 30 days in late 2021. Data were analyzed using chi-squared analysis and t-test of means to identify significant differences between demographic variables and reported emotional health outcomes.

Results: Those of higher age reported higher frequencies of depression and anxiety symptoms and fatigue (p >0.05). Professionals with higher COVID-19 contact hours had higher emotional distress and suicidal thoughts (p >0.05). Compared to certified occupational therapy assistants and physical therapy assistants, evaluating therapists had significantly higher reports of lifestyle impacts (p >0.05).

Conclusion: These finding serve as considerations for management decisions for rehabilitation professionals during future disease outbreaks. Targeted support must be shown to employees of older age and evaluating therapists. This shows that administrators must consider implementing more equal spread of patient contact to avoid serious impacts.