Abstract
Preliminary findings indicate that social activities are impaired and important among those with cancer-related fatigue (CRF). eHealthm including OT problem-solving sessions, is associated with resuming important social activities.
Primary Author and Speaker: Anne Fleischer
Additional Authors and Speakers: Anne Reed
Contributing Authors: Sarah Craft, Brooke McCalla, Elijah Steele, Morgan Steinke, Amanda Pearson
Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is the most common side effect of cancer treatment that significantly limits participation in daily activities, including social participation. This study aimed to determine if individuals with CRF identify social participation as impaired and important and describe the supports and barriers used to resume social activities. Secondary data analysis was performed using data collected from a single-arm online intervention targeting CRF. Participants were between 18-70, were either receiving/received chemotherapy or radiation, reported >3 on the One-Item Fatigue Scale, and had access to the internet. Participants were excluded if they had metastatic cancer, chronic fatigue, or could not follow verbal or written instructions. The intervention included individualized exercise, weekly OT problem-solving sessions, and interactive educational modules. Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) scores were compared pre- and post-intervention. Thematic analysis of supports and barriers to resuming social activities was completed. Preliminary findings indicate that 6 of 13 participants identified at least 1 social participation deficit as important, with 5 addressing social participation during weekly OT sessions and 4 achieving their social participation goals. Average COPM satisfaction scores changed by 3.38 points and COPM performance scores changed by 3.33 points. Participants identified the following supports: scheduling social activities and emotional connection, and barriers: time conflicts, treatment-related symptoms, and lack of comfort in social situations. Findings indicate that social participation is impaired and important among those with CRF, highlighting the need for OT to address social activities within their interventions. Larger studies with more diverse populations are needed to understand the types of social activities impaired at different points within the cancer care continuum.
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