AOTA

Suzänne F. Taylor, PhD, MBA, OTR/L

Program Director, Oncology Rehabilitation Program

Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Richmond, Virginia

Earn .1 AOTA CEU (1.25 NBCOT PDU/1 contact hour)

Abstract
Occupational therapy practitioners who work with cancer survivors must have a foundational understanding of how cancer and the associated treatments cause a changing trajectory of functional and cognitive abilities. This article begins with an overview of cancer and treatments, discusses associated precautions and side effects, and then describes how occupational therapy services must be tailored to the client needs and desires during three periods: (1) diagnosis and during active cancer treatments, (2) after cancer treatments and into extended survivorship, and (3) in the setting of advanced cancer. Recommended resources are included to assist clinicians in remaining current with their knowledge of oncology to apply to their occupational therapy practice.

­­­Learning Objectives

1. Determine an appropriate occupational therapy intervention approach based on where the client is on the cancer care continuum

2. Recognize that an individual’s performance status is a key indicator used in oncology

3. Recognize physiological and psychosocial side effects associated with cancer and cancer treatments, and their effect on participation in occupations

4. Differentiate among leading oncology resources

Learning Level: Introductory

Target Audience: Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants

Content Focus: Client Factors, Activity Demands; Occupational Therapy Interventions

Reference Information:

Taylor, Suzänne F., PhD, MBA, OTR/L
(CEA September 2018) Occupational Therapy and the Cancer Care Continuum: Adjusting Treatment Focuses