Occupational therapy for cancer patients - a randomised controlled study

Background Cancer patients often experience serious dysfunctions leading to problems with activities of daily living (ADL) and reduced quality of life. Occupational therapy (OT) might be effective in handling these problems,... [ view full abstract ]

Background
Cancer patients often experience serious dysfunctions leading to problems with activities of daily living (ADL) and reduced quality of life. Occupational therapy (OT) might be effective in handling these problems, but the evidence is sparse.

Aim
The purpose was to analyze the feasibility and effectiveness of an OT intervention targeting disabled cancer patients.
Outcome measures were the patient’s self-reported quality of life and the patient’s ability to perform ADL.

Design
Randomised controlled trial with 118 patients with cancer treated at Naestved hospital in Denmark. OT intervention program for the intervention group (N=63) and standard treatment and care for the controls (N=55).
Participants
Adult (=/> 18 years) cancer patients with a performance status between 10 and 70, measured by the Karnofsky Performance Status Scale. The patients were recruited in cooperation between nurses and project occupational therapists working in hospital setting.

Methods to obtain data
The effects of the intervention were analyzed using patient validated questionnaires including EORTC QLQ-C30 and the ADL taxonomy questionnaire.

Analytical methods
Descriptive analyses, intention-to-treat-analysis, multiple linear regression analysis and sensitivity analysis.

Results
The patients experienced a wide range of both I-ADL and P-ADL problems and there were significant gender differences. The OT intervention was a complex intervention with recruiting difficulties. There were no major differences between participants and non-participants, and the patients accepted the intervention.

Discussion
The study identified varying ADL among the patients. The ADL intervention did not show significant effect on quality of life or ADL ability, probably due to the small study sample.