Abstract
Introduction/Rationale: The Royal Far West Community Recovery Service (RFW CRS) was implemented following the 2019/2020 Black Summer bushfires to support the wellbeing and resilience of children and reduce the likelihood of long-term adverse effects. One component of the CRS was the delivery of occupational therapy telehealth services to children affected by the bushfire.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of occupational therapy telehealth to support the wellbeing and resilience of children affected by the bushfires.
Methods/Approach: A total of 38 children completed the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure pre- and post-telehealth sessions. Children ranged in age from 6 to 12 years (mean age = 9.16 years; SD = 1.80). There were 22 boys, nine girls and seven children did not report their gender. The children identified 78 goals, including emotional regulation, school engagement, coordination and other physical, sensory, behavioural and emotional goals. In addition, the children completed a satisfaction survey at the end of the intervention period.
Results/Practice Implicants: Children felt listened to, enjoyed the sessions, and learned new ways to feel better. COPM outcomes indicated a statistically significant improvement in children’s self-perceived performance and satisfaction ratings of their identified goals.
Conclusion: Occupational therapy telehealth contributed to positive wellbeing and resilience outcomes for the children affected by bushfires. The findings support the telehealth approach implemented as part of the CRS that offered children in geographically remote areas access to occupational therapy support not immediately available in their local communities.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of occupational therapy telehealth to support the wellbeing and resilience of children affected by the bushfires.
Methods/Approach: A total of 38 children completed the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure pre- and post-telehealth sessions. Children ranged in age from 6 to 12 years (mean age = 9.16 years; SD = 1.80). There were 22 boys, nine girls and seven children did not report their gender. The children identified 78 goals, including emotional regulation, school engagement, coordination and other physical, sensory, behavioural and emotional goals. In addition, the children completed a satisfaction survey at the end of the intervention period.
Results/Practice Implicants: Children felt listened to, enjoyed the sessions, and learned new ways to feel better. COPM outcomes indicated a statistically significant improvement in children’s self-perceived performance and satisfaction ratings of their identified goals.
Conclusion: Occupational therapy telehealth contributed to positive wellbeing and resilience outcomes for the children affected by bushfires. The findings support the telehealth approach implemented as part of the CRS that offered children in geographically remote areas access to occupational therapy support not immediately available in their local communities.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 17 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 27 Jun 2025 |
| Event | Occupational Therapy Australia 31st National Conference and Exhibition 2025 - Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide, Australia Duration: 25 Jun 2025 → 27 Jun 2025 https://www.otausevents.com.au/otaus2025/ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/14401630/2025/72/S1 (Published abstracts) |
Conference
| Conference | Occupational Therapy Australia 31st National Conference and Exhibition 2025 |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | Collaborate and connect |
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Adelaide |
| Period | 25/06/25 → 27/06/25 |
| Other | The occupational therapy profession plays a pivotal role in enhancing the well-being and quality of life for individuals across diverse populations. OTAUS2025 aims to inspire, empower, and unite professionals under the theme "Collaborate and Connect." This theme underscores the importance of fostering collaboration and building meaningful connections within the occupational therapy community, as well as with other healthcare disciplines and stakeholders. |
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