Introduction Cancer survivors continue to experience complications that last months to years following diagnosis and treatment, which can impact daily life. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of adult community cancer survivors related to daily activities and occupational performance. Method Phenomenology study design and photo-elicitation were utilized to blend photos and words. Thirteen adult survivors were recruited from a community-based cancer support organization. Open coding, axial and in vivo coding, and constant comparative analysis were utilized to analyze data and achieve conceptual saturation. Results Participants experienced a shift in cultural context, wherein they took on a new context defined by their cancer survivorship. This context shift is dynamic and interconnected to the sub-themes of distress, changes in perspectives, and side effects that all ultimately influence occupational performance and engagement. The cultural context shift supported participants’ ability to engage in new, meaningful occupations, supported their new identity, and ultimately created a sense of support and belonging. Conclusion Occupational therapists have a unique position to assist with the adjustment process during this cultural context shift and provide interventions in cancer support communities to assure cancer survivors’ continued performance and engagement in meaningful activities.
Date Presented 03/28/20
Researchers introduce a unique finding, a cultural shift, that occurs during cancer survivorship. This shift includes “funneling effects, ” such as changes in client factors, changes in perspective, and the experience of distress, all of which influence occupational engagement. Specifically, occupations were either lost, gained, or modified. Understanding the impact a cultural shift has on occupational engagement during survivorship underpins OT’s ability to build client-centered interventions.
Primary Author and Speaker: Katie Polo
Additional Authors and Speakers: Amy Ragle, Gabrielle Ingram, Nicole Scholl, Tamzyn Mather, Taylor Welch
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