Toward a Broader Role for Occupational Therapy in Supportive Oncology Care

A Descriptive Report of Early Mobilization for Critically Ill Ventilated Patients With Cancer

“…18 The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) strategies and sensory stimulation were incorporated. 25–27 Occupational therapists utilized recommended interventions for the prevention and management of delirium according to HELP such as (a) a reality orientation program (orientation board, providing a daily schedule, reorienting communication); (b) a therapeutic activities program (ie, activities focused on cognitive stimulation including the use of word search games and reading/summarizing current events); (c) a routine schedule for completion of self-care tasks such as oral care, grooming, bathing, and dressing; (d) early mobilization; and (e) adaptive equipment/compensatory strategies for individuals with hearing and vision impairments including tablet use, educational material with large print, and simplified communication boards with images instead of written words.…”

“…17 Furthermore, patients with cancer have the potential to develop multiple side effects and treatment complications throughout the cancer care continuum, requiring supportive care to maximize or maintain function. 18,19 …”

“…However, rehabilitation has been shown to be beneficial for patients with cancer across the continuum of care to provide restorative and supportive interventions. 18 The primary aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of early mobilization and describe the rehabilitation interventions and functional discharge outcomes in critically ill patients with cancer.…”

Occupational therapy in cancer rehabilitation: going beyond physical function in enabling activity and participation

“…Although we do not dispute the importance of these targets for cancer rehabilitation, we do point out that generic exercise interventions lack specificity for improving activities of daily life [15]. This is where OT could be of additional value [5], as a single intervention, or in the context of multidisciplinary cancer rehabilitation.…”

“…Many of these problems may restrict the ability to participate in daily activities, including personal care, social activities, employment, and education [1]. In fact, the most commonly reported unmet supportive care needs of adult cancer survivors relate to everyday functioning [1,5,6].…”