Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Sclinda Janssen

Abstract

Purpose: There is growing evidence to suggest that occupational and other therapy interventions can play a role in positively affecting the outcomes of individuals with cancer and cancer survivors. Occupational therapists can address peripheral neuropathy, lymphedema, pain, fatigue, cognitive deficits, and psychosocial issues (Baxter et al., 2017; Stout et al., 2021; Vining Radomski et al., 2021). Through appropriate assessment, intervention, education, and discharge planning, occupational therapists and other rehabilitation specialties can attempt to collaboratively change the outcome of an individual’s cancer course (Munoz et al., 2015). Individuals with cancer and cancer survivors have difficulty engaging in their own life in meaningful ways due to a multitude of physical and psychosocial causes (Baxter et al., 2017). There is also evidence suggesting providers do not know when to refer patients to rehabilitation services and individuals with cancer do not know when rehabilitation would be appropriate for them (Rijpkema et al., 2018; Stout et al, 2021).

Methodology: A model-driven literature review was completed regarding occupational therapy’s role in oncology care. The interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) model (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2024) was utilized to guide the review of literature, followup onsite needs assessment, collaboration with providers, literary comparison, and overall development of the project and handbook, which will be the product of this scholarly project. The occupational therapy theoretical framework, person-environment-occupation (PEO) model (Law et al., 1996) was used as a secondary model to guide the aspects listed previously and to inform the development of the patient aspects of the handbook. The handbook will be used to enhance the role of occupational therapy and other rehabilitation specialties within an interprofessional oncology team.

Results: The handbook Quality of Life During Oncology Care: A Therapy Guide for Patients was created to address the current gap in care for individuals with cancer. This handbook addresses a lack of referrals from providers to oncology rehabilitation teams and lack of provider and patient knowledge regarding oncology rehabilitation care, as well as numerous areas for patients including how to determine if rehabilitation is appropriate, education regarding secondary conditions, a home therapy program, and numerous self-management techniques. The handbook was delivered by the author to the interprofessional team in a variety of mediums to allow for transferability and continuity among interprofessional members.

Conclusion: It is anticipated that the scholarly project and handbook will assist in the provision of rehabilitation services for individuals with cancer and cancer survivors. Occupational therapists and other providers on the interprofessional team will be better equipped to serve patients, and patients may have better outcomes with the provision of this handbook.

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