An alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) device replaces or supplements a person’s natural speech. Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) collaborate with a team of healthcare professionals in the process of identification and use of the right AAC device for a person with complex communication needs (CCN). In the Philippines, occupational therapists (OTs) and SLPs are more likely to collaborate in the treatment of their clients due to their interprofessional education (IPE) experience. However, most Filipino SLPs do not engage in interprofessional collaboration (IPC) when rendering AAC services. Thus, there is a need to identify existing literature that tackles collaborative practices to raise the quality of service and care. Hence, this study aimed to identify and discuss existing literature that documented IPE and IPC strategies between OTs and SLPs in the field of AAC. The structure of this literature review was guided and adapted from the topics outlined in the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). Literature archived in two databases (Pubmed and Scopus) were reviewed. Two articles out of five studies were included in this review. Strategies found were “case based learning approach” for post-graduate students and the “Beyond Access model” in supporting practitioners. In conclusion, there is a dearth of literature on IPC practices among OTs and SLPs in the field of AAC. There is a need to report IPE and IPC efforts in the Philippines to provide applicable strategies to the local healthcare landscape.
Philippines

Assistive technology (AT) enables an optimized life for persons with disability through the scaffolding of functional capabilities. However, AT provision faces challenges such as long approval processes, funding inadequacies, and difficulties integrating evidence into practice. A means to address these issues is through interprofessional collaboration (IPC), the process by which health professionals efficiently coordinate and work with each other towards a common goal to maximize limited resources. To promote its effective implementation, there is a need to know the facilitators and barriers that affect its implementation. Thus, this paper aims to review the facilitators and barriers to the uptake of IPC in the field of AT within rehabilitation medicine identified by existing literature. This literature review followed the steps outlined by The Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center. Articles published between January 2000 until September 2019 were retrieved from four electronic databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct). Three studies were included in the study. Facilitators identified were: (1) optimal work culture, (2) professional competence, and (3) associating with team members. Barriers to effective IPC in the field of AT were identified as: (1) presence of professional silos, (2) lack of unified language, and (3) gaps in bureaucratic support. The mechanisms and factors in implementing interprofessional collaboration identified by the World Health Organization are vital in the field of AT. However, the barriers identified above need to be addressed to promote the uptake of IPC within this specialized field.

BACKGROUND

A substantial number of COVID-19 recoverees are working-aged individuals, which makes return-towork (RTW) an essential part of rehabilitation. Many COVID-19 recoverees must deal with physical and mental symptoms of post-COVID conditions such as fatigue, dyspnea, difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, and anxiety. These symptoms coupled with often insufficient support from employers and the government can make the RTW process complicated. Although research related to RTW after COVID-19 has begun to emerge over the years, few primary studies have come out from developing countries.

OBJECTIVES

This exploratory study aims to describe perceived work ability and health-related quality of life, lived experiences of the RTW process, and role of rehabilitation in a limited sample of Filipino COVID-19 recoverees. 

METHODS

Using purposive sampling and a convergent parallel mixed-method design, the study draws on an online survey and group interviews to understand expectations, experiences, and self-rated work ability of working-age adults with post-COVID condition. We report the findings of the questionnaire data using descriptive statistics. From the questionnaire respondents, eight participants were interviewed to explore the RTW experiences from multiple perspectives. The group interview was conducted online, and narrative analysis was used to explore the data. This analytic process involved an iterative and inductive process between data gathering and data analysis.

RESULTS

Findings from our narrative analysis are reported under four themes: 1) The period of liminality; 2) A ‘positive’ problem; 3) Health as a psychosocial and justice issue; and 4) The reimagination of paid work. The narratives gathered document an overview of how selected Filipinos overcame the COVID-19 infection and their recovery and RTW process.

CONCLUSION

Results call for a re-examination of the concept of health and paid work for individuals undergoing rehabilitation and recovery.

Human ; Pandemics ; Rehabilitation, Vocational ; Occupational Therapy