Experiences of occupational performance and engagement of clients with cancer and their participation in an occupational therapy programme for chemotherapy induced Peripheral neuropathy

Abstract

Background: CIPN is a common side-effect of chemotherapy. Symptoms can present themselves in pain, numbness and or tingling resulting in motor weakness and sensory loss. CIPN is also known to impact quality of life, functional performance and also cause psychological distress in clients with cancer. Whilst there is no standardised pharmaceutical treatment, clients with CIPN are known to benefit from exercise. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate how CIPN effects occupational performance and engagement in with cancer. The study also wanted to investigate the perceptions of clients undergoing occupational therapy treatment for CIPN at SAMOC in Malta. Method: A qualitative study using purposive sampling was carried out and the data was collected from a series of semi structured interviews of 7 participants. The questions were open ended and set in both English and Maltese. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the results. Results: Through the detailed analysis of the data collected, the research questions of the study were answered. It was found that the physical and emotional implications of CIPN actively hinder the clients ability to participate and engage in occupations. To answer the second research question, the clients perceived a benefit of the occupational therapy treatment program addressing CIPN deficits, and were able to learn skills and techniques to cope with the impact that CIPN has on their daily life.