Article

Occupational therapy may significantly improve cancer survivors' ability to
participate in activities, thereby improving quality of life. Little is known,
however, about the use of occupational therapy services by adults with cancer.
The objective of this study was to understand what shapes patterns of
occupational therapy use to help improve service delivery. We examined older (age
>65 yr) adults diagnosed with breast, prostate, lung, or melanoma (skin) cancer
between 2004 and 2007 (N = 27,131) using North Carolina Central Cancer Registry
data linked to Medicare billing claims. Survivors who used occupational therapy
within 1 yr before their cancer diagnosis were more likely to use occupational
therapy after diagnosis but also experienced the highest levels of comorbidities.
Survivors with Stage 4 cancers or lung cancer were less likely to use
occupational therapy. These findings suggest possible disparities in utilization
of occupational therapy by older adults with cancer.
CI - Copyright (c) 2014 by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.

Langue : ANGLAIS