Vanessa Carmody

“The Role of Occupational Therapy in the Recovery Stage of Disaster Relief:

A Report from Earthquake Stricken Areas in China” by Hoe C. Lee

Article Summary and Discussion

Biology II

15 February 2014

This article has a well descriptive title: “The Role of Occupational Therapy in the Recovery Stage

of Disaster Relief.” Using a short, yet descriptive narrative, the author supports the idea that

“Occupational therapists with their holistic, humanistic approach and scientific training can play an

important role in restoring physical functions and enhancing occupation participation for survivors of the

natural disasters (Lee, 2014) Occupational therapy has a long tradition in mental health (Burson, 2010).

In 2008, a massive earthquake injured over 375,000, proving the great need for dedicated rehabilitation

and counseling facilities. Telling the story of 63-year-ole Mr. H. and an innovative occupational therapist,

the author describes how physical and psychological wounds are often best healed through the restoration

of adaptive habits that rebuild a sense of identity (Lee, 2014).

Mr. H’s story begins with the description of his horrific injuries obtained after the 7.2 Wenchuan

Earthquake caused a concrete wall to collapse on top of him. Understandably, Mr H.’s life is turned

upside down. He begins to exhibit clear signs of post-traumatic stress and depression. Significant

psychological and physiological damage has caused the need for 24-hour care. An occupational therapist,

along with a team of volunteers, carefully assessed Mr. H’s situation. Slight modifications were made to

his home that allowed him to adapt to his new situation and once-again live independently. Through a

grant, he was given the opportunity to restore his sense of purpose and to serve his community by

operating a small convenient store out of his home. “His new occupations enabled Mr. H to move beyond

his shock and denial, to regain his sense of mastery and to overcome the feelings of guilt from a perceived

failure to protect hi family and property (Lee, 2014).” What a fantastic story of success!

Speaking specifically to the country of China, the author reminds us of how economic reforms of

recent years prior to the Wenchuan Earthquake, “encouraged hospitals to join the market economy and as

a result, financially dependent mental health facilities were either closed or transformed into, small-scale

and self-funded institutes (Lee, 2014).” Although the push for rehabilitation facilities with skilled

occupational therapists and assistants was started before the Wenchuan Earthquake, it was not until after

the disaster that policy changes really began to take effect. Mr. H’s successful outcome was used as an

example. Individuals have started benefitting from ramps and other occupational interventions.

Communities have continued in recovery and rebuilding of quality of life. Rehabilitation continues to be a

focus of a new health system

We are learning more about the brain and the potentially damaging effects of stress. According to

a recent study conducted by scientists at the University of California, “chronic stress generates long-term

changes in the brain that may explain why people suffering chronic stress are prone to mental problems

such as anxiety and mood disorders later in life (Sanders, 2014).” I came across this article while

searching Google Scholar and Ebsco for articles related to reviews of therapies for pediatric patients with

neurodegenerative disorders such as Autism and Batten Disease. There were numerous articles related to

occupational and physiotherapy treatment reviews for Multiple Sclerosis and Alzhemiers. The title of this

article caught my eye immediately. I am extremely interested in the use of physiotherapy to treat PTSD

and other mental illnesses. I am a believer in the author’s strong statement that occupational therapy

interventions “are fundamentally based on the premise that engagement in occupation and purposeful

activities facilitates adaptation (Lee, 2014).” The article well represented the practical use of

neuromuscular and neurocognitive knowledge and skills to assist communities rebuild after stressful

events, such as natural disasters.

Sources

Lee, H.C. (2014), The role of occupational therapy in the recovery stage of disaster relief: A report from

earthquake stricken areas in China. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 61: 28-31.

Doi: 10.1111/1440-1630.12106

Burson, K., Barrows, C., Clark, C., Gupta, J., Geraci, J., Mahaffey, L. et al. (2010).

Specialized knowledge and skills in mental health promotion, prevention, and intervention in

occupational therapy practice. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 64, S30-S43.

CrossRef(/resolve/reference/XREF?id-10.5014/ajot.2010.64S30)

Sanders, Robert. "UC Berkely News Center." Latest News. UC Berkeley, 11 Feb 2014. Web. 16 Feb

2014. <http://newscenter.berkeley.edu/2014/02/11/chronic-stress-predisposes-brain-to-mental-illness/>.