Daily activities when living at home with cancer: a cross-sectional study
Abstract
Background: People with advanced cancer may experience decreased ability to participate in daily activities. Since ability to perform daily activities is crucial for independent living, information is needed to specify... [ view full abstract ]
Background: People with advanced cancer may experience decreased ability to participate in daily activities. Since ability to perform daily activities is crucial for independent living, information is needed to specify occupational therapy services. The aims were to describe; activities they do perform and would like to perform; and perceived and observed ability to perform daily activities.
Method: In this cross-sectional study participants were recruited from out-patient oncology units. Participants were ≥18 years old; diagnosed with disseminated cancer; receiving palliative interventions; estimated survival time of at least one months; functional level 1-3 on WHO performance scale; living at home/in sheltered living and able to fill in questionnaires and participate in interviews. Data collection was based on questionnaires, diary, semi-structured interviews and standardized observations.
Results: 164 participants were included. The participants spent the >60% of the day performing self-care activities. The second largest group of activities was leisure, predominately of a passive character. The most frequently prioritized activity problems concerned community, social and civic life followed by domestic life and mobility.
The majority reported to be independent in self-care, but 10-35% used extra time or effort to perform; 40-70% needed help to overcome household chores. Observation-based ability measures indicated decreased competence and independence, and >60% had an ability below age expectations.
Conclusion: The study documents unmet needs related to performance of daily activities among seriously ill cancer patients in early stages of disability.
Application to Practice: By addressing unmet needs, this population may stay more active for a longer time at home.
Authors
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Eva Wæhrens
(The Research Initiative of Activity Studies and Occupational Therapy, Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark and 2The Parker Institute, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg & Fr)
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Åse Brandt
(The Research Initiative of Activity Studies and Occupational Therapy, Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.)
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Hanne Peoples
(The Research Initiative of Activity Studies and Occupational Therapy, Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.)
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Karen la Cour
(The Research Initiative of Activity Studies and Occupational Therapy, Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.)
Topic Area
Evidence based practice
Session
OS - 8N » Working With People With Cancer (11:30 - Saturday, 18th June, Fottrell Theatre)
Paper
Cancer_Home_Life_Project_-_Eva_W_hrens.docx
