Percepções dos processos e meios de teleatendimento de terapia ocupacional junto a indivíduos adultos com disfunções físicas em isolamento social

Abstract

Due to the emergence of COVID-19, which impacted Brazil, there was a need for social isolation as one of the main measures to combat the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Consequently, all non-essential services had to be closed, including some healthcare services. As a result, various patients with physical dysfunctions were unable to receive occupational therapy treatment, becoming more vulnerable to health complications, as well as facing new challenges arising from the isolation. Objective: To assess the perceptions of users with traumatic orthopedic injuries participating in the extension project "Health Education and Occupational Therapy Guidance for Patients with Physical Dysfunctions during the COVID-19 Pandemic Isolation Period" regarding the process of telehealth occupational therapy (teleconsultation and telemonitoring) at a university health school in a Federal University in the interior of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Methodology: This is a retrospective, exploratory, qualitative study that used a characterization form to define the research population, along with an open questionnaire administered through Google Forms to the 11 research participants. Research Results: The categories identified were: social isolation, remote care, support, and guidance materials. The respective subcategories were: changes, overall health status; differences in healthcare and well-being; support; healthcare demands; difficulties; social isolation. The thematic units related to the categories and subcategories were: effects; rehabilitation changes; symptom improvement; emotional well-being enhancement; adaptation to the new mode of care; telehealth; positive experiences; challenges; symptom control and difficulties. Final Remarks: The results indicated that despite the challenges presented by telehealth in occupational therapy, the patients' perceptions were positive, highlighting an improvement in their overall health and quality of life.