Document Type
Presentation -- MUSC Only
Publication Date
2025
Faculty Mentor
Scott Hutchison
Abstract
This occupational therapy capstone project was completed through collaboration with a site that aims to eradicate cancer through multidisciplinary patient care, innovative research, and education and training. The purpose of the project is to improve the quality of life (QoL) in Head and Neck Cancer survivors through resources created to enhance self-efficacy, symptom management, and overall well-being throughout the cancer trajectory. The project included the goal of furthering the health care team’s understanding of occupational therapy’s role within the cancer population, specifically HNC, by providing these supportive resources. Educational patient handouts were distributed to HNC care providers to then distribute to their patients. Provider feedback was used to monitor the resources. Additionally, patient feedback from 7 current individuals receiving OT services were obtained through a RedCap survey and functional outcome measure (FACT-G) to provide supportive data and feedback regarding occupational therapy within the oncology field. Results indicated that these patients found OT beneficial and that they have experienced improvements from receiving OT. Positive feedback from HNC care providers and qualitative & quantitative data from current OT patients suggest this project increased the understanding of OT’s role within the oncology population and supports increasing future referrals to OT services for QoL supporting interventions.
Recommended Citation
Hildebrand, Anna C., "Occupational Therapy in Oncology: Enhancing Quality of Life for Head and Neck Cancer Survivors" (2025). Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium. 80.
https://medica-musc.researchcommons.org/muscotd-elotd/80