Document Type
Presentation
Publication Date
Spring 4-25-2025
Faculty Mentor
Scott Hutchison
Abstract
Palliative Care (PC) is a service that provides people living with life-limiting illnesses with additional layers of support throughout disease progression. Benefits of PC include improved pain and symptom management, improved Quality of Life, and dying experiences. A Program of S.U.P.P.O.R.T™ (Symptom management, Understanding the disease, Pulmonary rehabilitation, Palliative care, Oxygen therapy, Research considerations, and Transplantation intervention) is an educational program for patients who live with life-limiting pulmonary illnesses to improve understanding of disease progression. While research about occupational therapy’s role in PC is limited, the literature suggests that interventions can positively impact patients' ability to participate in their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). The occupational therapy (OT) scope of practice includes interventions such as mental health support, durable medical equipment and adaptive equipment utilization and management, home modification, and energy conservation (EC), among others that could be beneficial to individuals receiving PC services. EC consists of modifying daily activities to minimize feelings of fatigue, stress, and breathing difficulty and has benefits in reducing anxiety and stress during ADLs. Survey data collected as part of an OT Doctoral Capstone project revealed that a sample of people living with serious pulmonary diseases felt they would benefit from EC techniques as their disease progresses. Other focus group data revealed that a team of healthcare professionals reported that advocacy for OT’s scope within PC is necessary. The focus group also revealed that OT services would be beneficial to their patients living with pulmonary diseases and/or receiving PC services. These data were used to enhance the Program of S.U.P.P.O.R.T™, to include EC strategies for patients and their caregivers to use, how to ask for rehabilitation services, and the scope of rehabilitation services (OT, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology) within PC. Advocating for OT’s role in PC may empower patients to better participate in ADLs throughout their disease progression.
Recommended Citation
Gainey, Sophie, "Occupational Therapy’s Role in Palliative Care: Helping Those with Serious Illnesses Participate in Meaningful Activities" (2025). Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium. 83.
https://medica-musc.researchcommons.org/muscotd-elotd/83