Occupational Therapy’s Role in Pediatric Oncology Care: The Transition Home

Sauer, MacKenzie

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Occupational Therapy’s Role in Pediatric Oncology Care: The Transition Home

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MLA citation style (9th ed.)

Sauer, MacKenzie. Occupational Therapy’s Role In Pediatric Oncology Care: The Transition Home. McGann, Taylor.University of Indianapolis. 2019. uindy.hykucommons.org/concern/generic_works/bedde503-9ce1-4f2e-b7ae-46801695f6c8.

APA citation style (7th ed.)

S. Mackenzie. (2019). Occupational Therapy’s Role in Pediatric Oncology Care: The Transition Home. https://uindy.hykucommons.org/concern/generic_works/bedde503-9ce1-4f2e-b7ae-46801695f6c8

Chicago citation style (CMOS 17, author-date)

Sauer, MacKenzie. Occupational Therapy’s Role In Pediatric Oncology Care: The Transition Home. University of Indianapolis. 2019. https://uindy.hykucommons.org/concern/generic_works/bedde503-9ce1-4f2e-b7ae-46801695f6c8.

Note: These citations are programmatically generated and may be incomplete.

Background: With strict rules on isolation following a bone marrow transplant, the pediatric cancer population suffers from delayed social interaction and developmental skills, impacting
their roles and occupations (Connelly, 2015). Follow-up care after transplant is essential for successful recovery but occupational therapy is currently not included within the follow-up planning team.
DCE Aim: The purpose of this DCE was to determine the role that occupational therapists could play in easing the transition of families leaving Brent's Place, a non-profit organization that provides clean-safe living for families undergoing immune-compromising medical treatment, to decrease occupational deprivation.
Needs Assessment: A survey was created and sent to past families to identify the gaps in supports currently offered to families returning home. Results showed that families would benefit from increased emotional and social support and indicated a need for validation in their feelings and experiences when attempting to return to a normal routine.
Implementation: A check-out process was created for families leaving Brent's Place that included necessary resources addressing national and local organizations for support, home maintenance tips, and advice for returning to a normal routine. Families would also be given the opportunity for closure by adding their thumbprint to a mural, which would be displayed yearly at the facility.
Conclusion: When transitioning home, families should be aware of the impact treatment has on their future. OT's have the skills necessary to fill this role. It is important that oncology teams consider OT's ability to support families affected by chronic disease.

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