Online

Thursday, October 17, 2024
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)

What time is this for me?

Approximately 11.7% of Canadians meet the criteria for long COVID (Statistics Canada, 2023), and 1.4% are diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS; Statistics Canada, 2015). It is highly likely that occupational therapists will encounter clients with these invisible, dynamic disabilities in their practice, as long COVID and ME/CFS significantly impact all areas of daily life (von Zweck et al., 2023). Current best practice involves a symptom management approach (NICE guidelines, 2021), in which occupational therapists play a vital role within interdisciplinary teams. By applying best practices in symptom management, occupational therapists can empower their clients to safely and sustainably participate in occupations that align with their strengths and unique needs.

This one-day workshop aims to provide occupational therapists with a comprehensive understanding of long COVID and myalgic encephalomyelitis /chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), along with practical resources to enhance therapy outcomes. The diagnostic criteria for long COVID and ME/CFS will be examined within the context of post-viral illness. Various intervention approaches that fall within the occupational therapy scope will be discussed, including a critical examination of interventions like graded exercise therapy. Relevant screening tools and assessments will be explored to identify symptoms impacting occupational participation, such as nervous system activation, pain, and post-exertional malaise. The unique role of occupational therapy in symptom management and addressing the challenges faced by individuals with long COVID and ME/CFS will be highlighted. Participants will learn about the flexible PACE (Plan, Adapt, Cope, Engage) approach to support clients in managing their symptoms, dispelling myths, fostering collaboration, designing accommodations and return-to-work plans, and promoting occupational participation. Small group discussions in breakout rooms and case studies will be used throughout the workshop to support participants in applying the information learned in this workshop to their practice.

Preliminary workshop agenda

Learning objectives

By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:

1. Describe diagnostic criteria for long COVID and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
2. Define post-exertional malaise (PEM) and recognize early onset symptoms of exertion and their potential impact on occupational participation.
3. Understand current practices and apply evidence-based strategies in symptom management for long COVID and ME/CFS.
4. Start using the PACE (Plan, Adapt, Cope, Engage) approach for collaborative relationship-focused occupational therapy.
5. Apply acquired knowledge to select appropriate assessments and outline individualized occupational therapy plans for clients with long COVID and ME/CFS.
6. Develop a safe progression plan to promote occupational participation without triggering PEM.

Target audience

Occupational therapist clinicians and educators as well as students in occupational therapy programs who are seeking the knowledge and tools to assess, and support clients experiencing long COVID and/or ME/CFS symptoms, promoting their occupational participation and overall well-being. Occupational therapist assistants working with clients experiencing long COVID and/or ME/CFS are also welcome to participate.

Please note: Each participant is responsible to ensure they apply the information within the context of their licensure, provincial/territorial legislations, institution regulations, scope of practice, etc.

Areas of practice
Advocacy, Case Management, Chronic Disease Management, Chronic Pain, Cognition, Generalist, Health Promotion & Wellness, Mental Health, Primary Care, Return to Work

Client age group
Adolescents (13-19 years old), Adults (20-64 years old), Older adults (65+ years old)

Workshop level
Beginner (0-2 years of experience in this specific practice area)

Please note: Participants with more than this stated level of experience are welcome to attend the workshop. The workshop content will be geared towards those with 0-2 years of experience.

Presenters

Jennifer Mauritz, Reg. OT (BC)

Jennifer Mauritz is a licensed Occupational Therapist in Canada and Germany with over 15 years of experience. A Vancouver resident for 8 years, Jennifer has been part of developing the Complex Chronic Diseases Program at BC Women's Hospital since 2016 and has started a private practice in 2024 supporting clients with long COVID, ME/CFS, and fibromyalgia. She is dedicated to empowering individuals with dynamic invisible illnesses to overcome challenges and participate in meaningful occupations.

Jennifer Hodges, Reg. OT (BC)

Jennifer Hodges graduated from Queen’s University in 2014 and has lived and worked in British Columbia since 2015. She developed and implemented allied health therapy programs as part of an interdisciplinary team for the Post COVID-19Recovery Clinic in Island Health in 2022 and 2023. Jennifer Hodges currently provides individualized therapy to clients experiencing long COVID and ME/CFS in her private practice.

Registration fees

Early bird rates: Registration and payment completed by August 21, 2024

Regular rates: Registration and payment completed after August 21, 2024

Registration deadline: October 17, 2024 at 9:59 a.m. (Eastern Time)

Please note that CAOT does not offer group registration fees.

*It may be more cost effective to become a CAOT Member or Associate rather than pay the non-member rate. See “Can a non-member register for a Workshop?” in our Professional Development FAQs to know which membership category you are eligible for.  

Included in your registration fee:

Online workshop, access to the recording for a period of 14 days following the workshop, electronic copy of presentation slide handouts, opportunity to network and make connections with other occupational therapists interested in this topic, electronic certificate of attendance.

Cancellation/refund policy

All cancellation/refund requests must be sent in writing to education@caot.ca. All cancellation requests received by October 2, 2024 will be given a full refund minus a $50.00 administrative fee. No refunds will be given after October 2, 2024. Substitutions and transfers requests received by October 2, 2024 are permitted and are subject to a $50.00 administrative fee.

If you are exceptionally unable to complete the workshop, please reach out to education@caot.ca by 25 days following the end of the workshop for extended access to the recording (up to one month after the end of the workshop) or a one-time transfer to another offering of the same workshop if currently open for registration. 

CAOT reserves the right to modify the workshop title, description, registration dates and information on the workshop webpage. CAOT will notify participants on or before September 6, 2024 if there is insufficient registration by that date and reserves the right to cancel a Workshop due to insufficient registration up until September 20, 2024. CAOT reserves the right to modify the offering, interrupt Workshops, change the timing of a Workshop, cancel a Workshop or change the technology for the Workshop due to the presenter no longer being able to present the Workshop, severe weather, power failure, building closures or other special circumstances that are beyond the control of CAOT by notifying participants as soon as possible. If the Workshop is cancelled by CAOT, registrants will receive a full refund of the registration fee. CAOT will not be responsible for other costs or expenses incurred by registrants as a result of any such changes.

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