Fox P, Beaton D; St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. foxp@smh.toronto.on.ca.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the impact of SARS on professional practice and professionalism in physiotherapists and occupational therapists working in an acute care hospital. SUBJECTS: Twenty-four therapists, 16 physiotherapists and 8 occupational therapists, practicing in an acute care hospital in Toronto, Canada participated in the study. METHODS: Grounded theory using qualitative research methods was used to explore the impact of SARS. Therapists underwent face-to-face interviews and were asked open-ended questions about the impact of SARS on their working and personal life and how it affected their professional practice and professionalism. ANALYSES: Interviews were audio-taped and transcribed. Transcriptions were coded for emergent themes. NUDIST was used to analyze the data. Therapists were interviewed a second time to verify the findings. The theory of the impact of SARS on therapists was developed. RESULTS: Themes of anxiety and fear and coping emerged around the impact of SARS on therapists. During the SARS outbreak, therapists experienced physical discomfort and fatigue related to infection control regulations. As a result of SARS, therapists incorporate infection control into their professional practice. Therapists played a role in reassuring patients and educating them on SARS. Therapists reaffirmed their commitment to being a therapist in an acute care hospital. Positive effects of SARS were teamwork and empowerment of therapists. CONCLUSIONS: Physiotherapists and occupational therapists working in an acute care hospital during a SARS outbreak were able to rise to the challenge of maintaining professionalism under stressful circumstances. An increased awareness of infection control has implications for a change in professional practice. FUNDING SOURCE: Mobility Program Clinical Research Unit, St. Michael’s Hospital.

Copyright 2004 by the American Physical Therapy Association

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