Cancer-related cognitive impairments (CRCI) can limit participation in meaningful activities before, during, and after cancer treatment. This study explored occupational therapists' perceived knowledge gaps and needs regarding CRCI in adults and older adults. An online survey was sent to a convenience sample of 60 practitioners at facilities throughout the continuum of care and 176 directors and faculty in accredited occupational therapy programs. Using a snowball sampling approach, recipients were asked to forward the survey to other occupational therapists. One hundred seven occupational therapists participated. The majority (92%) responded that it would be beneficial to attend a face-to-face continuing education program; preferences for the content and design of a continuing competency seminar are described. These findings support the development and delivery of continuing competence programs tailored toward occupational therapists' CRCI knowledge needs.
Occupational therapy practitioners are qualified to address the emergence of functional deficits from cancerrelated cognitive impairments (CRCI); however, they have reported a need to address gaps in their knowledge of CRCI. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively design, disseminate and examine the impact of implementing a face-to-face continuing education seminar designed to enhance occupational therapy practitioners' knowledge of CRCI in adults and older adults. After completing a needs assessment and designing the seminar, the seminar was piloted with occupational therapy students (n = 64) where student feedback guided modifications to the seminar's content, design and evaluation. The final CRCI seminar was presented at 15 facilities throughout the continuum of care with 130 occupational therapy practitioners. Participants' CRCI knowledge increased significantly after the seminar (Z =-9.623, p performance (96%, n = 123) and perceived patient outcomes (94%, n = 119) in the future. The seminar was both an effective method for increasing practitioners' short-term CRCI knowledge and a well-received method of dissemination.
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