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 descriptive title: The Role of Occupational Therapy in the Recovery Stage of
Disaster Relief. Using a short, yet vivid 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. Hs 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 Hs life is turned upside
down. He begins to exhibit clear signs of post-traumatic stress and depression. Significant psychological
and physiological damage have caused the need for 24-hour care. An occupational therapist, along with a
team of volunteers, carefully assessed Mr. Hs 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 has been
given the opportunity to restore his sense of purpose and to serve his community by operating a small
convenience 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 his family and property (Lee, 2014). What a fantastic success story!
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. Hs successful outcome is 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
Researchers 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. Amongst 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 authors 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 expressed well the practical use of
neuromuscular and neurocognitive knowledge and skills to assist communities rebuild after stressful
events, such as natural disasters.

Bibliography
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)
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
Sanders, R. (2014, February 11). New evidence that chronic stress predisposes brain to mental illness.
Retrieved from http://newscenter.berkeley.edu/2014/02/11/chronic-stress-predisposes-brain-tomental-illness/