Reasons for and outcome of occupational therapy consultation and treatment in the context of multidisciplinary cancer rehabilitation; a historical cohort study.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to investigate reasons why people consulted an occupational therapist following cancer treatment, and to examine the outcome of occupational therapy interventions, in the context of multidisciplinary rehabilitation.

METHODS

Data from 181 patients were collected retrospectively. The International Classification of Human Functioning and Health (ICF) was used to describe the reasons for occupational therapy consultation. Patients had completed the Canadian Occupational Performance Measurement (COPM) before and after the occupational therapy intervention. Change scores were calculated with a 95% confidence interval and a two-sided p-value obtained from a paired t-test.

RESULTS

The reasons for occupational therapy consultation were predominantly within the ICF domain "Activities and Participation". On average, patients improved 3.0 points (95% CI 2.8-3.2) on the performance scale of the COPM, and 3.4 points (95% CI 3.2-3.7) on the satisfaction scale (both: p = <.001).

CONCLUSION

The result of this study supports the added value of occupational therapy to cancer rehabilitation, and emphasise the positive effect of occupational therapy on everyday functioning. Controlled clinical studies are needed to strengthen the evidence.