Experiences of Filipino Pediatric Occupational Therapists in Batangas City on Telehealth

Rod Charlie Delos Reyes, Trisha Nicole Linang, Hazel Anne Magsombol, Mary Erleene Nebres, Marianela Zoleta

COVID-19, Occupational Therapists, Qualitative Research, Telehealth.

Background: Due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has become the safest, simplest, and most convenient way to deliver occupational therapy services amidst the outbreak. Objectives: The study aims to describe the experiences of pediatric Filipino occupational therapists in Batangas regarding telehealth. Methods: A descriptive qualitative design is utilized to achieve the objective of the study. The four (4) occupational therapists working in Batangas were interviewed via ZOOM Communications within 45 to 60 minutes using semi-structured question guidelines. All interviews were recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis. Results: Three themes emerged: perceived benefits of telehealth, enablers of telehealth, and challenges on telehealth. This summarized the experiences of the participants in the utilization of telehealth for occupational therapy service provision. Conclusion: Telehealth can be a permanent alternative service delivery model for occupational therapy, which creates opportunities for professional development also.

https://doi.org/10.31871/WJRR.12.4.8