Professional Quality of Life among Therapeutic Recreation Practitioners working in Canadian Long-Term Care homes during COVID-19: A Qualitative study

Authors

  • Jenna Johnstone VCH
  • Rebecca Genoe University of Regina

Keywords:

COVID-19, Long-Term care, Therapeutic Recreation, Professional Quality of Life, Professional Practice Issues, self-care

Abstract

COVID-19 disrupted the LTC system, impacting aspects of professional quality of life (ProQoL) among health care professionals. However, not much is known from the perspective of therapeutic recreation (TR) practitioners. This study aimed to describe the experiences related to ProQoL among TR practitioners in LTC across Canada using a qualitative description methodology. Data were analyzed using a thematic approach where three key themes emerged: Feeling frustrated and emotionally drained as a result to the new normal; Perspectives into vicarious joy, meaningful connection, and small moments of joy; and digging deep into leisure as self-care. These findings provide insight into the experiences of TR practitioners working in LTC during an unprecedented time. This research highlights the use of leisure as self-care to help support personal and professional quality of life during the first wave of the pandemic.

Author Biography

Rebecca Genoe, University of Regina

Rebecca Genoe, PhD, is a Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies at the University of Regina.  Rebecca has been teaching TR for more than 10 years.  Her research interests lie in the area of leisure and aging.

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Published

2022-07-19

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2022)

Section

Research Papers