Occupational Therapy Research Articles

Wrist Stabilising Exercise Versus Hand Orthotic Intervention for Persons with Hypermobility - A Randomised Clinical Trial.

To investigate the effectiveness of wrist stabilisation exercises compared to conventional intervention, whether it reduces pain and/or paraesthesia in the hand, as well as how the interventions affected activity ability, health-related quality of life and effects on hand function and grip strength in people with Hypermobility Diagnosis. A randomised controlled trial.Setting: Units of Occupational therapy in Primary Care, Kalmar County Council, SwedenParticipants: The study included 169 participants' data randomised to the Exercise group (n = 83) or the Control group (n = 86). The samples consisted of adults in diagnosed Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders or hypermobility Ehlers Danlos Syndrome with symptoms of pain and/or paraesthesia in the hands in the last three years.Interventions: The Exercise group trained according to structured progressive exercises and weights programme. The Control group used the hand orthosis during selected activities. Both groups performed randomised intervention for 12 weeks.Main measures: The primary outcome was the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire. Secondary outcomes were the Grip Ability Test, the Jamar dynamometer and the EuroQol EQ-5D. There were 116 subjects who completed the intervention. There were no statistically significant difference between the wrist stabilisation exercise and the conventional intervention in terms of activity ability, health-related quality of life, hand function, grip strength, pain or paraesthesia in people with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders or hypermobility Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. There is no statistically significant difference between the Exercise group and the Control group regarding activity ability after 12 weeks intervention period.

Effective Strategies for Working with Children with Autism in Mainstream Classrooms

In this study the education is identified as one of the key performance areas in the occupational therapy practice framework. The occupation of education includes academic (math, reading , writing), non-academic (recess, lunch, self-help skills), extracurricular (sports, band, cheerleading, clubs), and prevocational and vocational activities. The objective of this study is to assess out the effectiveness of classroom strategies for children with autism in mainstream classroom. The methodology adopted under this study is 20 children with autism and 24 teachers were included in the control group(N=10,12) and experimental group(N=10,12). Canadian Occupational Performance Scale, Teachers Attitude Towards Inclusion Scale, and Behaviour Rating Scale were used before and after the use of classroom strategies. The results of this study are experimental group, COPM, there was a significant difference in the pretest and post-test of the performance (p=0.005) and satisfaction (p=0.013) component of COPM. When goals addressed in the control and experiment groups were compared between groups, it showed significant difference in the post tests of both the groups in performance (u=0.005) and satisfaction (u=0.005) component of COPM. The pre-test and post-test of the POS (attitude towards student with disability in inclusive setting) and total component showed significant difference (p= 0.003 and 0.004) whereas there is no significant difference in the control group. The classroom strategies have a positive effect on the occupational performance for children with autism in mainstream classroom. It is effective in bringing positive attitude among teachers towards inclusion. It also improves the classroom behaviours of the children.

Identifying factors influencing emerging innovations in hospital discharge decision making in response to system stress: a qualitative study

BackgroundThe purpose of this qualitative study was to identify emergent rehabilitation innovations and clinician perceptions influencing their implementation and outcomes related to hospital discharge decision-making during the Coronavirus 2019 pandemic.MethodsRehabilitation clinicians were recruited from the Veterans Affairs Health Care System and participated in individual semi-structured interviews guided by the integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARIHS) framework. Data were analyzed using a rapid qualitative, deductive team-based approach informed by directed content analysis.ResultsTwenty-three rehabilitation clinicians representing physical (N = 11) and occupational therapy (N = 12) participated in the study. Three primary themes were generated: (1) Innovation: emerging innovations in discharge processes included perceived increases in team collaboration, shifts in caseload prioritization, and alternative options for post-acute care. (2) Recipients: innovations emerged as approaches to communicating discharge recommendations changed (in-person to virtual) and strong patient/family preferences to discharge to the home challenged collaborative goal setting; and (3) Context: the ability of rehabilitation clinicians to innovate and the form of innovations were influenced by the broader hospital system, interdisciplinary team dynamics, and policy fluctuations. Innovations described by participants included (1) use of technological modalities for interdisciplinary collaboration, (2) expansion of telehealth modalities to deliver care in the home, (3) changes in acute care case prioritization, and (4) alternative options for discharge directly to home.ConclusionsOur findings reinforce that rehabilitation clinicians developed innovative strategies to quickly adapt to multiple systems-level factors that were changing in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research is needed to assess the impact of innovations, remediate unintended consequences, and evaluate the implementation of promising innovations to respond to emerging healthcare delivery needs more rapidly.

Bubble Wrap Is for Packages, Not for People: Balancing Duty of Care and Dignity of Risk

Abstract Supporting clients and their families to live ordinary lives lies at the heart of occupational therapy. But an ordinary life—no matter who is living it—is full of risks, and risks often make us a little anxious. What if I, as a practitioner, encourage a client to take a risk and something undesirable does happen? Will I have shirked my duty of care? Not all experiences we label risky lead to undesirable outcomes. Some simply involve challenges: pushing people beyond their comfort zone so they can achieve more than ever before. Self-esteem is born out of meeting challenges; so is respect. In supporting clients and families to meet the challenges of an ordinary life, we balance duty of care with dignity of risk.

Role of nonpharmacological concussion management in children: systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Concussion is a global public health problem that affects many children worldwide. Most patients present with postconcussion syndrome and normal brain imaging find- ings. Despite the high incidence of concussion in children, published research on nonpharmacological management is lacking and much more often concerns pharmacological interventions. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the role of nonpharmacological interventions in managing concussion based on randomized controlled trials. The PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane data- bases were extensively searched for articles published between January 2013 and July 2023. A modified patient intervention, comparison, and outcome framework was used to construct the search strategy and eligibility criteria. Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias-2 tool. A total of 16 studies conducted between January 2013 and July 2023 were analyzed. Three studies were conducted in an acute care setting (<24-hour postinjury) involving rest, computer time, and doing nothing, while the other 13 studies were conducted in a chronic care setting (>24-hour postinjury) and included aerobic exercise, collaborative care intervention, cervical spine rehabilitation, education by physiotherapists, a hyperbaric oxygen therapy protocol, family intervention therapy, virtual reality, traditional occupational therapy, virtual rehabilitation, oculomotor control exercises, vestibular rehabilitation, coordination exercises, and balance exercises. This systematic review highlights the importance of nonpharmacological therapy in pediatric concussion cases. Active rehabilitation may yield promising outcomes. Another interesting approach may be useful in pediatric concussion management. How- ever, this systematic review shows a lack of high-quality literature supporting nonpharmacological pediatric con- cussion treatments.

Occupational therapists speaking for justice and human rights: From complicit silencing to collective resistance

We are a Collective of occupational therapists from all areas of practice and roles with longstanding commitments to working for human rights in the context of colonial oppressions, including genocide. We aim to affirm our deep commitment to occupational therapy’s values and principles by naming and acting against the ongoing genocide of Palestinian people. This paper is an act of collective resistance, self-assertion and solidarity for all those in the profession who have been erased, denied, and harmed by the silence of occupational therapy’s national and international governing bodies, as well as the silencing. We write this piece anonymously to add our voices to those healthcare professionals who are speaking out – including those working in healthcare in Gaza. We begin by naming the injustice, citing recent evidence and the rulings of various international bodies considered authoritative and legitimate. Then we address the injustice of silence, as experienced in the occupational therapy profession through the silencing of its members. We continue by reviewing relevant professional obligations and ethical responsibilities of occupational therapists, including the requirement to speak out against occupational injustices. This is followed by an outline and critique of our profession’s governing bodies’ problematic responses and complicity, naming the harms caused from within. We conclude this paper by indicating the only ethical option for action; one that also applies to other healthcare professions whose institutions have been silent, hoping this will incite them to break their silence.

The Effect of Occupational Therapy Intervention on Occupational Performance in the Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Background: Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a common sleep disorder characterised by recurrent breathing interruptions during sleep, leading to significant health issues and impaired occupational performance. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of occupational therapy intervention program tailored for OSAS patients. Methods: A total of 23 participants (18 males and 5 females) diagnosed with OSAS were included in this prospective analytical study conducted over six months at a tertiary care hospital. Participants were selected based on specific inclusion criteria, and their baseline and post-intervention assessments were performed using the Occupational Performance History Interview-II (OPHI-II). Statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate the significance of the results. Results: The mean age of participants was 51.96 years, with an average Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) of 39.87. Significant improvements were observed in occupational identity (pre-test: 25.08 ± 6.88; post-test: 30.78 ± 7.02), occupational competence (pre-test: 20.91 ± 6.37; post-test: 25.00 ± 6.65), and occupational setting (pre-test: 20.86 ± 6.00; post-test: 25.04 ± 6.58), with all p-values &lt; 0.001, indicating high statistical significance. Conclusion: The occupational therapy intervention program significantly enhanced the occupational performance and overall well-being of patients with OSAS. This study highlights the importance of integrating occupational therapy into the management of OSAS, particularly for patients facing barriers to conventional treatments. Future research should further explore the long-term effects and broader applications of such interventions.

Normative Data for Motor Free Visual Perception Test- 4 in Indian Population Between 50-60 Years in Normal Healthy Individuals

Visual perceptual skills are critical for performing various tasks, making them a key focus in Occupational Therapy, particularly across different diagnoses. The Motor-Free Visual Perception Test (MVPT-4) is a standardized tool used to evaluate visual perception independent of motor abilities in individuals aged 4 to 80+. Although MVPT-4 has been widely used across diverse populations, normative data for adults, especially in the Indian population, is limited. This study aims to establish normative data for healthy North Indian adults aged 50-60. A total of 100 individuals (50 males, 50 females) were assessed using MVPT-4. Test scores were recorded, and statistical analysis was performed. Results indicated an average score of 27.2 (SD = 7.31) in females and 29.32 (SD = 7.45) in males. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of visual perceptual abilities in the Indian population and provide normative data for future research and clinical practice in the region.

Research on the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance Approach: A Bibliometric Review.

The Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) is an evidence-based intervention approach that has significantly increased in popularity over the past two decades. However, how the research literature on this topic is patterned is still unknown, so it is difficult to identify potential areas for research and clinical interest. To analyze the literature published on the CO-OP approach to provide a detailed and structured analysis of the publication patterns. All literature related to CO-OP included in the Web of Science database through June 15, 2024. All published studies related to CO-OP were included in the bibliometric analysis, which was conducted on the raw data retrieved from the Web of Science database using the Bibliometrix R package. The annual growth rate in CO-OP research has been 0.8%, significantly increasing from 2015 onward. Most of the research has been published in occupational therapy and rehabilitation journals by English-speaking research teams, and its scope has expanded from developmental coordination disorder to a wide range of health conditions. In addition, two main lines of research have emerged: one focusing on understanding the underlying cognitive processes involved in CO-OP and the other focusing on its clinical effectiveness. Research on CO-OP has significantly increased over the past decade, and it currently encompasses a wide range of areas. This analysis may facilitate the advancement of research on and the clinical practical application of CO-OP. Plain-Language Summary: The Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) is an evidence-based intervention approach that has significantly increased in popularity over the past two decades. Occupational therapists use it to improve the occupational performance of both children and adults with movement difficulties. However, it is unknown how the research literature on this topic is patterned, so it is difficult to identify potential areas for research and clinical interest. This study found that scientific literature on CO-OP has significantly increased in the past decade and that its scope has expanded from developmental coordination disorder to a wider range of health conditions, such as cerebral palsy. Moreover, research is now focused on two main questions: What are the underlying cognitive processes involved during intervention, and how effective is the CO-OP approach? These findings can be used to further improve occupational performance and participation among occupational therapy clients who struggle with motor performance and planning.

The influence of the contextual framing on physio- and occupational therapists’ clinical reasoning in sensory rooms with patients admitted to psychiatry – a qualitative case study

Aim To investigate the influence of contextual framing on physio- and occupational therapists’ clinical reasoning in sensory rooms for patients admitted to psychiatric units. Material and method Physiotherapists and occupational therapists from acute and intensive care units with sensory rooms were invited to participate in the study. The therapists were interviewed following sessions with patients in sensory rooms, using a semi-structured interview guide. These therapists also participated in a focus group interview. All interviews were transcribed and analysed based on the thematic analysis by Braun and Clarke. Results Twenty individual interviews and one focus group interview were conducted with seven physio- and occupational therapists. Three themes with accompanying subthemes emerged: (i) The contextual influence: Therapists’ perceptions of the use of sensory rooms, The dominance of the medical paradigm). (ii) The therapeutic alliance: The therapists’ relational skills, The importance of a good therapeutic patient relation, and Physio- and occupational therapy in a psychiatric setting.: (iii) The therapeutic diagnosis, Therapeutic sensory room interventions, and Holistic approach in a limited timeframe. Conclusion The clinical reasoning of physio- and occupational therapists in sensory-modulating sessions for patients admitted to psychiatric units is influenced by a primarily medically dominated paradigm; legally, economically, and politically. Occupational therapists mainly focus on everyday skills and being in the present, whereas physiotherapists focused on activities with bodily anchoring and awareness.

Peadiatric amputation from traditional bone setters’ gangrene in Ibadan: a malady

Background: Pediatric amputations resulting from gangrene pose a significant medical challenge, especially in resource-limited settings. In Nigeria, traditional bone setters (TBS) often serve as the first point of contact for musculoskeletal injuries, but their practices can lead to severe complications, including gangrene. Our hospital manages many of such cases. This study aims to explore the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and outcomes of pediatric patients who developed gangrene requiring amputation following TBS treatment, with the goal of informing public health strategies and improving pediatric care quality. Methods: The study is a retrospective study which seek to extract the data from the hospital record all the patient who underwent amputation due to gangrene after initial TBS treatment. All the case notes were retrieved and data was extracted and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study adhered to ethical standards and anonymized data to protect patient confidentiality, ensuring the study's integrity. Results: The study involved 33 pediatric patients aged 8.3 years, with a significant gender disparity. Most patients were from the Yoruba ethnic group and practiced Islam. 87.9% of parents had no formal education. Gangrene was most common in the left hand, and falls were the leading cause of initial injury. The average surgery time was 81.2 minutes, with a 13-day hospital stay. Post-operative complications occurred in 43.5% of patients, with surgical site infections (SSI) being the most common. Only 8.7% received occupational therapy. Conclusions: The study highlights post-operative care challenges in pediatric amputations, including high complications and limited access to services. It suggests targeted interventions, infection control, and public health campaigns to improve outcomes. Future research should include long-term follow-up studies.

Democratic Civic Engagement in Occupational Therapy

Democratic adult education (AE) promotes social change through active and pragmatic learning. This learning considers the impact of individual, community, organization, and broader cultural influences. Democratic civic engagement (DCE) in higher education institutions (HEIs) emphasizes inclusive participation and reciprocity. These values are deeply grounded in democratic adult education (AE) practice and community problem-solving processes in practice-based professions like Occupational Therapy (OT). In this article, we examine a new graduate OT program in the northeast region of the US and the roles of OT stakeholders as co-creators and co-educators in both institutional and community education settings. We highlight how this program is grounded in DCE which helps bridge the gap between an academic program (OT within HEI) and the broader social environment (interlocking systems not built to support diverse lived experiences) using a DCE model.

Using ChatGPT as a tool during occupational therapy intervention: A case report in mild cognitive impairment

ABSTRACT This case report examined the impact of computer programmed assistive technology developed, using ChatGPT as a tool when designing an occupational therapy intervention on a client’s independence in activities of daily living. A 66-year-old female client with mild cognitive impairment consulted an occupational therapist due to difficulties with activities of daily living. The occupational therapist developed two activity assistance computer programs using ChatGPT as a resource. The client did not interact directly with ChatGPT; instead, the occupational therapist used the technology to design and implement the intervention. A computer programmed assistive technology-based occupational therapy intervention was completed for eight weeks. The occupational therapist trained the client to use these programs in the clinical setting and at home. As a result of the intervention, the client’s performance and independence in daily activities improved. The results of this study emphasize that ChatGPT may help occupational therapists as a tool to design simple computer programmed assistive technology interventions without requiring additional professional input.

Effectiveness of Social Skills Training on Quality of Life and Functional Performance in Patients with Schizophrenia

The study aims to determine the effectiveness of social skills coaching on quality of life and functional performance in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: A quasi-experimental study design was chosen and sixty participants (N=60) aged 18 to 55 years were recruited using a convenience sampling approach. The participants were divided into two groups viz. experimental (n = 30) and control (n = 30). Participants in the experimental group received social skills coaching for eight weeks, while participants in the control group received traditional occupational therapy interventions. Two outcome measures, consisting of the Canadian Activity Performance Index (COPM) and a 36-item short survey (SF-36), were used to measure quality of life and functional performance. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the pre- and post-test scores of the COPM and SF-36 survey in both the experimental and control groups. In addition, the quality of life and functional performance of the patients in the experimental group improved significantly compared to those in the control group. Conclusion: In schizophrenia patients, a social skills training intervention was more successful in improving quality of life and functional performance. Through social skills training exercises, participants' engagement increased, they showed more enthusiasm in completing their everyday tasks, and their role identity and integration into the community also improved.

Exploring the Impact of an Interactive Electronic Pegboard on Manual Dexterity and Cognitive Skills of Patients With Stroke: Preliminary Analysis.

As individuals age, the incidence and mortality rates of cerebrovascular accidents significantly rise, leading to fine motor impairments and cognitive deficits that impact daily life. In modern occupational therapy, assessing manual dexterity and cognitive functions typically involves observation of patients interacting with physical objects. However, this pen-and-paper method is not only time-consuming, relying heavily on therapist involvement, but also often inaccurate. Digital assessment methods, therefore, have the potential to increase the accuracy of diagnosis, as well as decrease the workload of health care professionals. This study examined the feasibility of an interactive electronic pegboard for the assessment and rehabilitation of patients with stroke. We explored the pegboard's clinical applicability by examining the relationship among stages, timing, and difficulty settings, as well as their alignment with patient capabilities. In total, 10 participants used a prototype of the pegboard for functional and task assessments; questionnaire interviews were conducted simultaneously to collect user feedback. Patients with stroke consistently required more time to complete tasks than expected, significantly deviating from the initial time frames. Additionally, the participants exhibited a slight reduction in performance levels in both manual dexterity and cognitive abilities. Insights from questionnaire responses revealed that the majority of participants found the prototype interface easy and enjoyable to use, with good functionality. This preliminary investigation supports the efficacy of interactive electronic pegboards for the rehabilitation of the hand functions of patients with stroke, as well as training their attentional and cognitive abilities. This digital technology could potentially alleviate the burden of health care workers, positioning it as a valuable and intelligent precision health care tool.

85 Improving children and families healthcare experiences through a Community Social Paediatrics model

Abstract Background The clinical presentation of children with referrals related for behavioral and school difficulties is often complex and involves environmental and psychosocial components in addition to medical considerations. Collaborative, team based, holistic and integrated approaches are standard of care for many medically complex conditions but less emphasized for what is considered more general presentations in Paediatrics. Given the complexity of patients presenting with challenging behaviors, an integrated approach should be considered as a patient centered and efficient model of care. Objectives The aim of this study was to determine if using a Community Social Paediatrics (CSP) model with an interdisciplinary team can improve experiences and outcomes for families of children being assessed for challenging behaviors who also have complex psychosocial considerations. Design/Methods This pre-post study recruited families with children who had received behaviour-related Paediatric referrals. Participants received the standard of care and additional resources typical to a CSP model, including support from a social worker, home visits, and referral/funding for clinically indicated therapeutic services such as occupational therapy. Three measures were used to evaluate the experience and outcomes of patients and families prior to intake and after 12 months of care: Paediatric Integrated Care Survey (PICS), Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL), and Quality of Relationship Inventory (QRI). Descriptive analyses of demographics and subscale scores were conducted. Paired t-tests were conducted to detect significant changes in subscale scores across time points. Results In total, 31 caregivers completed the intake assessment and 26 of these completed the follow-up assessment for their children, who were between the ages of 5 to 14 at the time of intake. The QRI scores, which assessed the child-caregiver relationship, indicated a significant decrease in the conflict subscale between timepoints (M1=2.23, M2=1.87, p&amp;lt;0.005). Similarly, the CBCL scores indicated significant reductions in aggressive behaviour (M1= 68.65, M2= 64.77, p&amp;lt;0.05) and conduct problems (M1= 68.69, M2= 62.31, p&amp;lt;0.05). The PICS scores indicated families reported fewer access problems (M1= 3.35, M2= 1.19, p&amp;lt;0.005), and better communication with health care providers (M1= 14.53, M2= 16.92, p&amp;lt;0.05). Conclusion Findings indicate that aspects of the family experience and child outcomes were significantly improved after receiving care through the CSP model. In particular, the reduction of caregiver-child conflict, aggressive behaviour, and conduct problems may indicate that the child’s needs are being more effectively met, thus reducing conflict at home and school. Paediatricians should strongly consider an interdisciplinary model when seeing children for behavioral referrals. This may be especially true for those with complex psychosocial needs.

Measuring evidence-based practice knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behavior in students of manual therapy education programs: A scoping review of instruments and their measurement properties.

The purpose of this review was to identify assessment instruments and their measurement properties for assessing evidence-based practice (EBP) knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behavior among students of manual therapy education programs. 7 electronic databases were systematically searched from inception to May 19, 2023. (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, ERIC, EBSCO Discovery, LISA, Google Scholar.) Search terms were subject headings specific to each database (MeSH in MEDLINE) and relevant to evidence-based practice, assessment tools/instruments, and manual therapy healthcare professions. Eligible studies included students of manual therapy education programs (chiropractic, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, osteopathy) and provided evidence supporting instrument measurement properties (reliability, validity). Titles and abstracts were screened by 2 reviewers. Data on each instrument and its properties were extracted and tabulated by 2 reviewers. Instruments were compared using the Classification Rubric for EBP Assessment Tools in Education (CREATE) framework including the 5 steps in the EBP model. Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist were followed. 5 studies were identified, (3 physiotherapy, 2 chiropractic) Two studies used a physiotherapy-focused modification of the Fresno test. One study presented the Knowledge of Research Evidence Competencies instrument. Two studies presented original instruments. Instruments focused on the knowledge domain and did not assess all 5 EBP model steps. The current literature does not address all 5 steps of the EBP model. The identified instruments have the potential to ensure chiropractic institutions are graduating chiropractors who are highly skilled in evidence-based practice.

Improving the efficiency and person-centredness of occupational therapy input into care-plans in a forensic mental health and rehabilitation service

Care-planning is vital to the delivery of timely, person-centred, safe and effective care. Despite the understanding of the benefits of person-centred care-plan in both services, occupational therapists (OTs) within our...

‘It’s like someone is holding your hand, an invisible hand’: A grounded theory study of participation and personal recovery in Flexible Assertive Community Treatment

Background Participation in everyday life and personal recovery is often adversely affected for individuals with complex mental health needs. Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) is a recovery-oriented service targeting participation in everyday life and personal recovery and is thus important to understand from the perspectives of service users. Aim To explore how service users experience the care and support they receive from FACT as facilitating processes of participation in everyday life and in their personal recovery process. Materials and Methods A constructivist Grounded Theory approach was employed, involving 14 in-depth interviews conducted from January to November 2023 with FACT service users (9 women, 5 men; 23-55 years) within the Swedish adult general Mental Health Services. Results The process of Building genuine relationships between participants and FACT team members enabled Doing as a way of recovering. This was facilitated by how FACT was organised, promoting continuity and flexibility in care and support. Conclusions and significance This study contributes to a greater understanding of how genuine relationships between FACT service users and team members provide opportunities for participation and doing as a means for personal recovery. The results underscore the significance of incorporating an occupational therapy perspective into recovery-oriented services.

Hand therapy interventions for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy of the hands in patients with pancreatic cancer

Abstract Background Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), a common problem, can impair function and quality of life in patients, potentially limiting chemotherapy and adversely affecting outcomes. Methods This trial compared investigational hand therapy intervention (Investigational) compared with a traditional occupational therapy approach (Traditional) to prevent CIPN in patients with pancreatic cancer receiving gemcitabine and albumin-bound paclitaxel containing regimens. Results forty-nine patients were enrolled with 40 evaluable for statistical analysis (21 Investigational/19 Traditional). CIPN in the hands was reported in 6 patients (28.6%) in Investigational, and 4 (21.1%) in Traditional P = .721. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a mean time-to-event of 76.0 days (90% CI: 68.5, 83.6), and 75.8 (90% CI: 68.5, 83.2) days respectively, P = .614. Fifteen patients in each group (78.9% Traditional, 71.4% in Investigational) were censored as they did not develop CIPN. No correlation was found between CIPN risk and age, sex, BMI, disease stage, performance status, or chemotherapy dose. Conclusion Seventy-four percent of patients receiving gemcitabine, albumin-bound paclitaxel, and cisplatin did not develop CIPN of the hands by day 84. There was no statistical difference in time to onset of CIPN between the two groups. Early adaption of occupational therapy may prevent early onset CIPN in chemotherapy patients. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT05374876.