Authors: Noralyn Davel Pickens, PhD, OT, Texas Woman’s University, Dallas, Texas and Tiffany Long, MA, MBA, OTR, Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation, Hospital Division, Dallas, Texas.
Earn .1 AOTA CEU (1.25 NBCOT PDU/1 contact hour)
Abstract
Adult palliative care is an interdisciplinary approach that holistically addresses the quality of life of clients and their loved ones who are facing life-limiting illness. As members of the care team, occupational therapists provide holistic assessment and interventions, ranging from managing medical symptoms and pain relief, to supporting transfer of family history and legacy making. Survivorship care plans are traditionally used with clients and family caregivers following cancer diagnosis and treatment. Reframing the care plan with an occupational therapy focus, these care plans include information related to diagnosis, intervention, signs requiring medical attention, lifestyle modifications, environmental recommendations, and other resources. An occupation therapy–oriented survivorship care plan addresses the multidimensional needs of adult palliative care clients and caregivers to enhance health and well-being.
Learning Objectives
1. Identify the role of occupational therapy in palliative and end-of-life care with family caregivers.
2. Define best practices directed at caregivers’ occupational balance, health, and well-being.
3. Identify how personalized survivorship care plans improve medical management, quality of life, and occupational engagement.
CE Find Key Words: end of life, palliative, hospice, caregiver
Learning Level: Entry
Target Audience: Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants
Content Focus: Category 1: Domain of OT; Category 2: OT Process
Reference Information:
Pickens, N.D.; Long, T. (2016) Occupational Therapy Practitioners Working With Caregivers in Adult Palliative Care and End-of Life Care.
OT Practice, 21(2). CE-1–CE-8
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