Abstract
(1) Background: Occupational therapy (OT) practice has a unique perspective that addresses the complex needs of cancer survivors. Despite the expanded research and application of OT services using telehealth (TH) to promote clients’ health and well-being, studies on OT services using TH for cancer survivors are rare. This study aimed to review the TH approaches in the scope of OT and the outcome of factors affecting occupational engagement in adult cancer survivors. (2) Materials and Methods: This systematic review performed a literature search of five databases (Medline Complete, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science) using a combination of keywords and cross-referencing. Studies were included if they described a TH intervention within the scope of OT practice to improve occupational engagement. (3) Results: Fifteen studies (12 randomized controlled trials, three quasiexperimental studies) were reviewed. Physical activity had a positive effect on physical and cognitive function. Symptom self-management showed positive effects on the relief of symptom burden. Psychosocial interventions, which included cognitive behavioral therapy, problem-solving, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, mind–body training, reduced sleep disturbance, and improved physical activity. Lifestyle behavior change interventions improved participation in moderate-intensity physical activity and diet quality. In addition, these interventions reduced cancer-related symptoms such as pain, depression, fatigue, distress, and improved quality of life. There were no direct outcomes of occupational engagement, excluding sleep, that could be confirmed through this review. (4) Conclusion: This review explored and confirmed the usefulness of TH approaches in the scope of OT practice in adult cancer survivors. It also supports the notion that OT-specific research using TH interventions for cancer survivors will be needed in the future.
Highlights
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [1], a cancer survivor is defined as “a person who has been diagnosed with cancer from the time of diagnosis throughout his or her life”
Occupational therapy (OT)-specific research using TH interventions for cancer survivors will be needed in the future
This review provides evidence that Physical Activity (PA) interventions using TH technology for cancer survivors had a positive effect on physical function, cognitive function, cancer-related pain, fatigue, and quality of life (QOL)
Summary
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [1], a cancer survivor is defined as “a person who has been diagnosed with cancer from the time of diagnosis throughout his or her life”. As a result of the treatment progress, the survival rate increases, but the survivors have physical and psychosocial sequelae, which limit meaningful activity and participation during survivorship [3]. Healthcare 2020, 8, 355 by cancer survivors include depression, anxiety, fear of recurrence, cognitive dysfunction, fatigue, pain, peripheral neuropathy, reduced mobility and weakness, lymphedema, dysphagia, stoma care, bladder, and bowel dysfunction. These conditions prevent survivors from participating in meaningful activities and life occupations during survivorship, deteriorating the survivors’ quality of life (QOL) [4,5]. Cancer survivorship is classified as a chronic condition given that the complications and sequelae often last long [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
