The Essential Role of Occupational Therapy to Address Functional Needs of Individuals Living with Advanced Chronic Cancers

Abstract

Objective: Medical progress in cancer care has led to increased life expectancy outcomes across all stages of cancer, including in advanced cancers. People now living with advanced chronic cancers have unique, ongoing functional and quality-of-life needs. This article explores the functional considerations of individuals living with advanced chronic cancers in terms of managing chronic palliative care needs, assessing and intervening for functional issues, and consistently using occupational therapy in shared service provision together with medical and nursing teams. The unique and changing functional needs of these individuals may be effectively addressed through consideration of chronic palliative approaches to care; earlier access to occupational therapy services to facilitate continued engagement in everyday activities; and shared service provision with nursing to address both medical wellness and functional status.

Data sources: These include key databases (Pubmed, CINAHL), international guidelines, and professional guidance documents.

Conclusion: Individuals living with advanced chronic cancer have ongoing and fluctuating functional needs that should be addressed in palliative care service provision. The inclusion of occupational therapy as part of inter- and multidisciplinary teams can facilitate maximization of function for individuals living with advanced chronic cancer.

Implications for nursing practice: Timely early referrals to occupational therapy can address functional issues as they arise, and can prepare individuals for future functional considerations.

Keywords: Activities of daily living; Advanced cancer; Function; Occupational therapy; Palliative care; Rehabilitation.