Impact of occupational therapy on comprehensive care in pediatric oncology.

Abstract

e22018 Background: Children with cancer can experience difficulties in performing and engaging in their usual activities and the families can also experience interruptions to their daily routines as well as family dynamics. Yet, current cancer rehabilitation tends to focus more on the aspect of bodily repair and functional restoration. This study intends to illustrate the impact of occupational therapy approaches that were identified to have positive influence on the children with cancer and their family. Methods: Three cases of children with brain tumor of age 1, 4 and 16 were reviewed and their caregivers were interviewed. Family education on disease progression, caregiver burden, unhealthy caregiving style, and activity participation facilitation, and coping strategies for the teenaged survivor were included in the regular occupational therapy sessions. Results: Of the three cases, two families of the younger clients who later deceased, reported being supported with the occupational therapy service from emotional support to facilitating activity participation. The other case was reported to have resumed activity participation both in the hospital and at home following a client-centered occupational therapy approach. Conclusions: Although it is important to facilitate functional restoration or preservation, it does not facilitate activity participation on children with cancer if psychological and/or contextual factors are not taken into consideration. It is equally important to meet children’s developmental needs and educate their caregiver/family to provide the proper care they need. Coping is required for both child survivor and their caregiver/family. Client-centered approach that is used in occupational therapy can provide comprehensive care to both children and their family in meeting the needs of the child and family and facilitating activity participation.