DEFINING THE ROLE OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN CANCER SURVIVORSHIP: BRITISH AND IRISH PERSPECTIVES

Background: Improvements in cancer survival mean that more people are living with the long term effects of cancer and its treatment. 1:2 people are expected to experience a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, therefore... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
Improvements in cancer survival mean that more people are living with the long term effects of cancer and its treatment. 1:2 people are expected to experience a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, therefore occupational therapists (OTs) will encounter cancer survivors in all areas of practice. Occupational therapy (OT) is integral to the management of many chronic conditions, however, more evidence is needed supporting OT interventions in cancer survivorship. This study aimed to survey British and Irish OTs about current and best practice in cancer survivorship.
Method:
An electronic survey was distributed amongst OTs through the Irish Occupational Therapy Association, and through the British Association of Occupational Therapy LinkedIn site, an advertisement in OT News, and Twitter announcements. Survey data were analysed using descriptive methods.
Results:
Responses were received from 140 OTs, 43% from the UK, and 57% from Ireland. Respondents worked in a variety of treatment settings and 28% indicated that they frequently worked with people with a cancer diagnosis. Key aspects of current OT programs identified by participants were: Fatigue and energy conservation (72%), equipment needs (67%), lifestyle adjustment (48%) and pain (47%). Limited OT programs were identified related to cognitive changes (30%), side effects of chemotherapy (19%) and joint and bone protection (18%),
Conclusion:
The OT role can be developed further in addressing occupational performance issues for cancer survivors that are currently not available across services. .
Application to Practice:
OTs need to develop services to address the needs of cancer survivors regardless of their practice area