Mapping the occupational therapy process in response to COVID-19 and long COVID: A scoping review

Background: COVID-19 and long COVID have had an impact worldwide on people’s participation in occupations. Occupational therapists play a role in supporting individuals’ recovery and participation in daily life. Objective: This present study undertook a scoping review of research on COVID-19 and long COVID to map the occupational therapy process with this population, including evaluation, intervention and outcomes. Methodology: Three online databases were searched to identify research papers published between 2020 and 2023 from all countries, published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. From 455 texts, 25 studies were selected for this review. Results: Studies were conducted across varied healthcare settings, mainly inpatient hospitals. Participants ranged from children to older adults, with adults being the most represented group. Standardised assessments included occupational history, activities, body functions, cognition and emotional regulation. Interventions were educational, compensatory, restorative or acquisitional, with outcomes focused on daily living activities, performance skills and client factors. Conclusion: Our review underscores the need for more comprehensive documentation of occupational therapy effectiveness, particularly in unpredictable circumstances such as COVID.