Background The restrictive measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic affected the mental health and daily activities of occupational therapists (OT). Objectives To understand how the global environment, during the COVID-19 pandemic, influenced OTs’ occupational identity and competence. Methodology Five French-speaking OTs per country (France, Belgium, Switzerland and Canada) were randomly recruited from the initial eCO3 (study on Occupational Competence during Confinement in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic) study. They took part in semi-structured interviews using the Occupational Performance History Interview-II (OPHI-II) between September and December 2021. Interviews were analysed using categorical content analysis, supported by a similarity analysis using IRAMUTEQ software. Results Few differences were established depending on the country. Maintaining stability while transforming one’s occupations and developing social interactions was essential. At least one participant per country criticised their global environment. Conclusion During the pandemic, OTs took time to reflect on their occupational identity while remaining active to maintain a satisfying occupational competence. OTs, for whom adaptability has become essential, have strengthened their resilience during the crisis.
Riegel et al. (Thu,) studied this question.