Date Presented 04/05/2025
This study examined the multitude of barriers and unmet needs of cancer patients and the impact OT can have on this population. Increasing the utilization of OT in cancer treatment can improve health outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients.
Primary Author and Speaker: Caylie Snyder
Additional Authors and Speakers: Jacob Greenfield, Brian Scaife, Morgan Curtis
Contributing Authors: Nicole Stout, Patricia Policicchio
INTRODUCTION: Cancer patients experience several unmet needs that inhibit their occupational performance, such as a lack of accessibility to specialized services in geographically rural areas, which may result in increased commute times for care. The typical symptoms associated with a cancer diagnosis may impact an individual’s daily roles, habits, and routines, in which a referral to therapy services could help with symptom management.
METHODS: The 2023 Community Needs Survey was distributed to patients who sought care at the West Virginia University Cancer Institute (WVCI). A total of 264 surveys were distributed and completed. Data analysis was completed to determine therapy services utilization and drive time, one way to the WVUCI from where the cancer patient resided.
RESULTS: The results indicated a range of 26 different cancer types included in the study. The average drive time for the 264 participants was 67.056 minutes one way. Utilization rates for therapy services were conducted to determine which therapy services were utilized at the WVUCI, in the community, or not utilized. Out of the 264 participants, the services not utilized include OT (n=218), PT (n=192), SLP (n=230), and Home Health (n=200). The number of participants that utilized services through the WVUCI includes OT (n=17), PT (n=36), SLP (n=11), and Home Health (n=24). The number of participants that utilized services through the community includes OT (n=13), PT (n=26), SLP (n=8), and Home Health (n=28).
CONCLUSION: Cancer survivors and their caregivers experience a multitude of barriers when it comes to receiving and accessing healthcare. Based on the information gained from cancer patient survey responses, there is an underutilization of therapy services within this population. While OTPs are uniquely qualified to address the robust needs of cancer patients and their caregivers, this study urges a call to action to increase the utilization of OTPs in cancer rehabilitation.
References
Baxter, M. F., Newman, R., Longpre, S. M., & Polo, K. M. (2017). Occupational therapy’s role in cancer survivorship as a chronic condition. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71(3), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2017.713001
Ciubean, A. D., Ciortea, V. M., Ungur, R. A., Borda, I. M., Popa, T., & Irsay, L. (2021). Role of occupational therapy in rehabilitation of cancer patients. Balneo and PRM Research Journal, 12(2), 145–150. https://doi.org/10.12680/balneo.2021.434
Ratnapradipa, K. L., Ranta, J., Napit, K., Luma, L. B., Robinson, T., Dinkel, D., Schabloske, L., & Watanabe-Galloway, S. (2022). Qualitative analysis of cancer care experiences among rural cancer survivors and caregivers. Journal of Rural Health. 38: 876– 885. https://doi-org.wvu.idm.oclc.org/10.1111/jrh.12665
Rijpkema, C., Van Hartingsveldt, M., & Stuiver, M. M. (2018). Occupational therapy in cancer rehabilitation: Going beyond physical function in enabling activity and participation. Expert Review of Quality of Life in Cancer Care, 3(1), 1–3. https://doi.org/10.1080/23809000.2018.1438844
