Background/Aims This study reviewed the use of telehealth in paediatric occupational therapy practice and its clinical outcomes over the past 20 years. Methods A scoping review following Arksey and O'Malley's five stages was undertaken using six databases and Google Scholar. The scoping review covered articles from January 2000 to April 2020. Results A total of 22 articles were reviewed. Most studies indicated positive outcomes of using telehealth in paediatric occupational therapy practice. Although there is insufficient evidence, the results indicated that telehealth can be more effective than face-to-face interventions when there are mobility or travel challenges for children. Conclusions The use of telehealth in paediatric occupational therapy is an alternative service delivery model, facilitating access for children and their families to the rehabilitation services. Further research is needed to address the difficulties and potential solutions to expand the use of telehealth services to help children with disadvantages alongside their families.

Purpose This study was designed to determine the changes in the quality of life (QOL) and occupational performance of children with cancer and to examine their rehabilitation needs during the pandemic period in Turkey. Methods 60 children with cancer and their families participated in the study. The first and second assessments were carried out in April and September 2020, respectively. The pediatric quality of life inventory parent proxy-report was used to evaluate the QOL, and the Canadian occupational performance measurement was used to evaluate children’s occupational performance and satisfaction. A qualitative interview was planned to determine the impact of the pandemic on children with cancer alongside their families and therefore determining the rehabilitation needs of the children. Results While there is no statistically significant change in the pain-related conditions of the children in the first six months of the pandemic ( p > 0.05), procedural and treatment anxieties of the children increased during the treatment. Their QOL including cognitive state, perceived physical appearance and communication skills also showed a statistically significant decrease ( p < 0.05). Both the occupational performance and satisfaction scores decreased significantly, covering the pre-pandemic and pandemic era ( p < 0.01). In the qualitative interview parents expressed their children's need for physical, psychological and social participation support. Also, they emphasized the need for time management. Conclusions During the COVID-19 pandemic, the QOL and occupational performance level of children with cancer decreased significantly. Holistic rehabilitation approaches complying with pandemic conditions are likely to benefit these children. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11136-021-02857-7.

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Introduction This study assesses the cognitive functions of children with brain tumor, including orientation, spatial perception, praxis, visuomotor constructions and thinking operations. The aim of the study was to assess the cognitive functions of children with brain tumor in the treatment process and the effects of different treatments on cognitive functionality. Method Cognitive functions of children with brain tumor ( n = 102) and children with typical development ( n = 90) were assessed with the Dynamic Occupational Therapy Assessment for Children. Children with brain tumor were divided into four subgroups according to the treatment they received. Multiple comparisons were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test and binary comparisons were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test. Results Cognitive functions of children with brain tumor were weaker than children with typical development. Children who received chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and both chemotherapy and radiotherapy had weaker cognitive functions. Conclusions Children with brain tumor whose treatment process is continuing are cognitively affected and their occupational performance in daily living tasks is weakened. In these children, cognitive- and occupation-based early intervention approaches should be developed and implemented. Especially when children start receiving radiotherapy, it may also be useful to start cognitive occupational therapy programs simultaneously for preserving children’s cognitive functionality.

Introduction This study examines executive functions and occupational performances of children with medulloblastoma and children with typical development. The aim was to compare the executive function and occupational performance levels of children with medulloblastoma and children with typical development and to investigate the relationship between the executive function and occupational performance levels of children with medulloblastoma. Method Parents of 105 children (6–12 years) completed the Childhood Executive Function Inventory. A total of 105 children were administered the Canadian Occupational Performance Measurement to obtain information on occupational performance areas. Executive functions and occupational performance levels of children with medulloblastoma ( n = 52) and typical development ( n = 53) were compared. Correlation analysis was conducted between the executive functions and occupational performances of children with medulloblastoma. Results Executive function and occupational performance levels of children with medulloblastoma were lower than those with typical development. Significant relationships were found between the executive functions and occupational performances of children with medulloblastoma ( p < 0.05, p < 0.001). Conclusion It is clear that the executive functions of children with medulloblastoma significantly affect their occupational performance level. Client-centered, occupation-oriented cognitive therapy interventions prepared according to occupational therapy theories and models might be useful to increase the occupational performance level of children with medulloblastoma.