Feasibility, acceptability and potential effectiveness of an occupation-focused cognitive self-management program for breast cancer survivors. (October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Newman, Robin; Lyons, Kathleen Doyle; Coster, Wendy J; Wong, Jasin; Festa, Kate; Ko, Naomi Y
• Is Part Of: British journal of occupational therapy. Volume 82:Number 10(2019)
• Page Start: 604
• Page End: 611
• Publication Date: 2019-10
• Subjects: Breast cancer -- self-management -- occupation-focused -- cognition -- occupational therapy; Occupational therapy -- Periodicals; 615.8515
• DOI: 10.1177/0308022619861893
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-0226

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this research was to assess the feasibility, acceptability and potential effectiveness of a program to support the occupational performance of urban breast cancer survivors living with cancer-related cognitive impairment. Method: Participants ( n = 15) reporting cognitive changes following breast cancer treatment were enrolled in an occupation-focused self-management program. Occupational performance challenges, activity level, subjective cognitive function and quality of life were measured at the beginning, end and 3 months after completion of the program. Results: Participants reported high satisfaction with the program and high confidence in their problem-solving and goal-setting skills. The 11 participants who completed the post-program assessment showed significant increases in self-perceived performance and satisfaction in daily living, participation, physical and functional wellbeing and perceived cognitive impairment. Conclusion: The program was feasible for a vulnerable, socio-economically diverse patient population, acceptable to participants and may have positive effects on occupational performance.