Rachelle Brick1, Elizabeth Skidmore2. 1. Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA. Electronic address: Rsb50@pitt.edu. 2. Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This article discusses the effects of cancer on broader domains of health; the evidence and application of activity-focused rehabilitation approaches in rehabilitation populations; and the role of nurses in the promotion of activity-focused rehabilitation. DATA SOURCES: Narrative review of rehabilitation literature. CONCLUSION: Cancer impacts activity engagement, community participation, and quality of life. Optimal cancer rehabilitation may lie in adoption and implementation of activity-focused rehabilitation approaches. Recent research suggests that this approach may improve impairments and activity engagement outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses are critical for screening for activity limitations and participation restrictions and early referral to rehabilitation treatment. Nurses can also educate survivors on the importance of meta-cognitive and self-management strategies to promote engagement in meaningful activities to reduce long-term disability.
OBJECTIVES: This article discusses the effects of cancer on broader domains of health; the evidence and application of activity-focused rehabilitation approaches in rehabilitation populations; and the role of nurses in the promotion of activity-focused rehabilitation. DATA SOURCES: Narrative review of rehabilitation literature. CONCLUSION:Cancer impacts activity engagement, community participation, and quality of life. Optimal cancer rehabilitation may lie in adoption and implementation of activity-focused rehabilitation approaches. Recent research suggests that this approach may improve impairments and activity engagement outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses are critical for screening for activity limitations and participation restrictions and early referral to rehabilitation treatment. Nurses can also educate survivors on the importance of meta-cognitive and self-management strategies to promote engagement in meaningful activities to reduce long-term disability.