Factors That Influence Occupational Engagement of Young Adults Who Are Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study

Cancer and its treatment can impact occupational engagement. However, occupational therapy-specific research studying young adult cancer survivors remains limited. The objective of this study to identify the type of occupations that young adult cancer survivors choose to engage in and to understand their decision-making process when choosing these occupations. A mixed-methods explanatory sequential design was used. Eleven participants, nine females and two males, between the ages of 18 and 35, were included. Several occupations were identified for engagement such as activities of daily living, leisure, work, sleep and rest, and health management. The predominant factor that influenced why occupations were chosen was that individuals purposefully selected occupations that allowed them to choose a path toward a more meaningful life. Information gained from this pilot study can be used to inform occupational therapy practitioners regarding services and interventions that promote occupational engagement for young adult cancer survivors.

Impact of Recreational and Medicinal Cannabinoids on Quality of Life and Occupation: A Scoping Review

IMPORTANCE

Cannabinoids are at the center of much interest and controversy within health care and society. However, minimal research has investigated the impact of cannabinoids on quality of life (QoL) and occupation.

OBJECTIVE

The literature suggests that cannabinoids may have therapeutic potential, although the available research is limited. A scoping review was conducted to address the gap in the literature regarding the impact of recreational and medicinal cannabinoids on QoL and occupational engagement.

DATA SOURCES

Databases searched included Ovid and CINAHL; sources derived from a manual search of reference lists were also used. Of the 691 articles that were identified, 22 articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA COLLECTION

This scoping review was conducted in accordance with Arksey and O'Malley's five stages. Inclusion criteria included English language, clear focus or description on the impact of nonsynthetic cannabinoids on QoL and occupation, and published between January 2011 and May 2019. Exclusion criteria included minors, single case studies, animal studies, antineoplastic articles, and articles that only discussed or investigated effects of synthetic cannabinoids.

FINDINGS

The findings were inconclusive, and the primary research that emerged from the literature investigated the effects of cannabinoids on pain management, sleep, appetite, and other physiological functions in both recreational and medicinal users.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The findings derived from the literature raised more questions, and further research is warranted. Occupational therapy practitioners have an opportunity to use their knowledge and skills to address the impact of cannabinoids on occupational engagement and QoL.

WHAT THIS ARTICLE ADDS

Practitioners have the opportunity to provide education regarding cannabis use and monitor how it affects occupational engagement and QoL for both recreational and medicinal users.

Occupational Therapy's Role in Cancer Survivorship as a Chronic Condition

Improved medical care has resulted in a documented increase in cancer survivors in the United States. Cancer survivors face challenges in participation across all facets of life as a result of the cancer and subsequent cancer treatments. Long-term and late-term sequelae can result in impairments in neurological systems, decreased stamina, loss of range of motion, and changes in sensation and cognition. These impairments are often long lasting, which categorizes cancer survivorship as a chronic condition. This categorization presents treatment challenges, especially in creating rehabilitation and habilitation service options that support cancer survivors. Occupational therapy provides a unique focus that can benefit cancer survivors as they face limitations in participation in all aspects of daily living. Research, advocacy, and education efforts are needed to focus on the specific rehabilitation and habilitation needs of cancer survivors to increase access to occupational therapy's distinct value.