Occupational Therapists have a role to play at all stages of the cancer pathway, from diagnosis to palliative and terminal care. We treat our patients holistically through client centred practice and adopt a flexible, timely approach as patient’s needs are constantly changing. We work as part of the multi-professional team to facilitate and enable our patients to achieve maximum functional performance, both physically and psychologically in everyday living skills and to maintain or enhance their quality of life. This includes assessment and treatment in a variety of settings for example hospital, hospice, Nursing homes or in the patient’s own home.

Following referral the Occupational Therapist will carry out a full assessment and develop a treatment programme with the patient based on their individually assessed needs and goals, their home/family situation and prognosis.

Occupational Therapy interventions may include:

• The use of daily activities for the treatment of physical, psychological, social and spiritual problems.
• Retraining clients in personal and domestic activities of daily living.
• Assessment of seating needs, positioning and pressure relief.
• Mobility assessment and training for functioning including the provision of appropriate mobility aids and the prescription of wheelchairs and wheelchair training.
• Retraining clients in order to help them with cognitive and perceptual difficulties e.g. poor memory, concentration etc.
• Splinting to prevent deformities and to control pain.
• Home assessments to identify the need and feasibility of equipment and/or housing adaptations.
• Equipment loan or advice on private purchase of equipment.
• Lifestyle management including hobbies and leisure pursuits.
• Anxiety management.
• Fatigue management/ Energy conservation.
• Pain management.
• Breathlessness management.
• Support and education for carers.
• Assisting people in psychologically adjusting to loss of function, disability or disease.
• Assistance with return to work.