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The Importance Of Rehabilitation Needs In Oncology

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Occupational therapy has the ability to potentially limit and reverse cancer-related disabilities amongst oncology patients, yet it remains extraordinarily underused within adult oncology (Pergolotti et al., 2015). More knowledge is needed regarding functional independence in daily activities of living, coping with stress, difficulties with employment, and the need for future care by healthcare professionals after leaving the hospital (Hwang, 2015).
It is known that physical impairments resulting from cancer and the cancer treatment are best addressed by physical therapists and occupational therapists (Sleight & Duker, 2016). With this being said, there is a need for more data on rehabilitation needs among oncology patients. It is …show more content…

Therefore, it is necessary for rehabilitative services to be in place to allow for optimal occupational performance after treatment (Movsas et. al., 2003). We suggest that although there have been studies that recognize the effectiveness of OT interventions with oncology patients, more research is needed to validate the importance of including OT practitioners within oncology treatment.
Implications for Occupational Therapy Practice
Occupational therapy practitioners have the knowledge and skills for producing the best quality of life for cancer patients by focusing on their occupational performance issues. Evaluation of a client should begin with an occupational profile that highlights their strengths and weaknesses and managing approaches in various occupations within the context of the client's lifestyle. A holistic treatment can contain a wide-range of approaches that can be integrated into the client's plan to improve occupation-based problems. The strategies include energy conservation, coping, and relaxation techniques for managing pain, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. Exercise and leisure programs are used to improve strength and mobility. Cognitive strategies, activity and work adaptation, and assistive technology are used to optimize performance in activities of daily living (ADL), education, and employment. Support and volunteer groups can be introduced to prevent social

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