A feasibility study of enhanced occupational therapy for children and young people with central nervous system tumours – outcomes for the families and for occupational therapy

Morgan, R; Estlin, E; Pizer, B; Keane, J; Bowyer, P; Nenadic, G; Kamaly-Asl, I; Davys, D; Owen, K; Galloway, P; Fillery, C; Deghan, A; Long, T

Abstract

A two-year feasibility study was conducted to explore harmonisation of occupation-focused practice between two UK children’s cancer centres. The Short Child Occupational Profile (SCOPE) identified occupational needs of children with brain tumours to inform goal-setting, treatment-planning and intervention. A professional decision-making log was developed to focus reflection and to enhance communication of clinical decisions. The impact of a range of personal and environmental factors on participation beyond performance components was considered, enabling the occupational therapists to incorporate the child’s strengths to overcome daily occupational challenges.

Twenty-four children aged 3-14 years with central nervous system tumours received enhanced occupational therapy for six months which families perceived as being helpful in rehabilitating children to participate in life and equipping them with better coping strategies for the future.

Individual occupational needs of children were highlighted using the SCOPE which helped to standardise practice. Using the SCOPE harmonised occupational therapists’ unique focus on occupation in their practice with patients with brain tumours. This both evidenced intervention outcomes and strengthened professional identity. The outcome was robust preparation for a multi-centre intervention study.

Keywords
Occupational therapy, children, brain tumour, harmonised practice, SCOPE

Citation

Morgan, R., Estlin, E., Pizer, B., Keane, J., Bowyer, P., Nenadic, G., …Long, T. (2020). A feasibility study of enhanced occupational therapy for children and young people with central nervous system tumours – outcomes for the families and for occupational therapy. CYPF journal, Autumn(2020), 20-28

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 27, 2020
• Publication Date: Nov 16, 2020
• Deposit Date: Jun 12, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 17, 2020
• Journal: CYPF Journal
• Print ISSN: 1754-0062
• Volume: Autumn
• Issue: 2020
• Pages: 20-28
• Related Public URLs: https://www.rcot.co.uk/about-us/specialist-sections/children-young-people-and-families-rcot-ss/member-resources
• Additional Information: Projects : A feasibility study of enhanced occupational therapy interventions for children and adolescents with central nervous system tumours in the first two years from diagnosis