Cancer Rehabilitation Across the Lifespan

Course overview

Occupational therapy practitioners encompass a wealth of knowledge and skill to decrease the burden of cancer on oncology clients. Evidence to support this is emerging. Silver and Gilchrist (2011) remind us that "evidence-based care is the cornerstone of optimal treatment, and with oncology rehabilitation still in its infancy, there is much work to be done" (p. S12). It is this aim, as well as that of the American Occupational Therapy Association's (AOTA) Vision 2025, that guides the content of this course in linking evidence, well-being, and quality of life during and following cancer treatment for diverse communities (AOTA, 2017a). The primary purpose of this course is to promote competence and confidence in the utilization of evidence-based occupational therapy services to this emerging and underserved population. Using the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process, 3rd edition (AOTA, 2014) as a mechanism to negotiate through the occupational therapy process, an introductory overview of common cancer diagnoses, treatment, and rehabilitation implications throughout the continuum of care will be provided. Evidence-based, client-centered evaluation and intervention recommendations will be emphasized while providing participants with the knowledge and resources required for best practice in oncology rehabilitation. This basic-level course will be a stepping-stone to align evidence-based recommendations to clinical application specific to the emerging and complex field of oncology rehabilitation for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants.