The Role of Occupational Therapy in Palliative Care

Summary

This lecture explores the vital role of occupational therapy in adolescent palliative care, challenging preconceived notions and emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach. It discusses the wide range of conditions and settings where therapists work, focusing on improving quality of life for patients and their families. The lecture also highlights the unique contributions of occupational therapists, such as facilitating engagement in meaningful daily activities and supporting patients' physical, emotional, and social needs. It underscores the significance of individualized care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the therapist's role in helping patients achieve their goals and maintain their chosen occupations, even as they face life-limiting illnesses.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Occupational therapy in palliative care aims to improve the quality of life for individuals facing life-threatening illnesses and their families.
• 👥 The interdisciplinary team in palliative care includes a variety of healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and social workers.
• 🏥 Occupational therapists may work in diverse settings including hospitals, hospices, and community-based services.
• 🔍 The World Health Organization defines palliative care as an approach to improve quality of life, addressing physical, psychosocial, and spiritual aspects of the person.
• 🏠 End-of-life care and hospice care are distinct; hospice care is for those with a life-limiting illness and may involve symptom control and family support.
• 📈 Palliative care should be initiated early to allow for well-planned and managed end-of-life care, supporting both the individual and their family.
• 🤝 Occupational therapists support individuals to continue or start new occupations, focusing on what is meaningful to them and their life goals.
• 🧘‍♂️ The holistic approach of occupational therapy considers the person's motor, emotional, cognitive, and sensory aspects to help them engage in their chosen occupations.
• 👨‍⚕️ Occupational therapists work closely with adolescents, addressing issues like body image, self-identity, and sexuality, which are particularly relevant during this life stage.
• 🌱 The 'On Track' program at Peter MacCallum Cancer Center is an example of a service that assists adolescents with cancer to return to productive occupations like work or school.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of this lecture on occupational therapy in palliative care?

The lecture focuses on the role of occupational therapy in adolescent palliative care, aiming to challenge perceptions and highlight the potential, possibilities, and rewards of working in this area.

How does the lecture suggest changing preconceived ideas about palliative care?

The lecture encourages participants to list three words that come to mind when thinking of palliative care and revisit these at the end of the week to see if their perceptions have changed.

What is the interdisciplinary team involved in palliative care according to the lecture?

The interdisciplinary team may include medical staff, general practitioners, nurses, palliative care nurses, physiotherapists, chaplains, social workers, and speech pathologists.

What is the broad age range of individuals involved in palliative care as mentioned in the lecture?

The age range spans from premature neonatal babies in special care units to older adults with advanced dementia.

How does the World Health Organization define palliative care as per the lecture?

According to the WHO, palliative care aims to improve the quality of life for individuals facing life-threatening illnesses, their families, and carers, addressing physical, psychosocial, spiritual, and emotional aspects, and managing symptoms like pain.

What is the difference between end-of-life care and hospice care as discussed in the lecture?

End-of-life care can include both hospice and palliative care during the end stage of life, while hospice care is for those with a life-limiting illness and may focus on symptom control and support for the family.

Why is it important for occupational therapists to understand the term 'palliative care'?

Understanding the term helps occupational therapists to focus on the holistic well-being of the person, including symptom management and improving quality of life, rather than just treating the illness.

What role does the American Occupational Therapy Association suggest for occupational therapists in palliative care?

The AOTA suggests that occupational therapists should facilitate engagement in daily life, helping individuals with life-limiting conditions to continue or start new occupations.

How does the lecture describe the unique role of occupational therapists in palliative care?

Occupational therapists have a unique role as they consider all aspects of a person, including motor, emotional, cognitive, and sensory aspects, to help individuals with life-limiting conditions resume, continue, or start new occupations.

What are some of the settings where occupational therapists might work with individuals nearing the end of life?

Occupational therapists might work in surgical or medical units in hospitals, hospices, community-based services, palliative care services, and rehabilitation services.

What are some of the interventions that occupational therapists provide in palliative care as mentioned in the lecture?

Interventions can include pain management, relaxation training, sleep assistance, education advice, structuring the person's day, and environmental adaptations to support meaningful occupations.