Occupational Therapists (OTs) working within oncology can assist children with coping with everyday tasks whilst at home, in hospital, schools or in the community. They can review, assess and treat functional difficulties, sensory changes, upper limb (arm/hand) difficulties, handwriting, personal care activities, cognitive changes, and changes in functional performance, as well as review the child’s developmental milestones.
Occupational Therapists are instrumental during active treatment to monitor and offer treatment and management of side effects, such as peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, deconditioning, and difficulty doing their usual activities. Discharges from hospital are often supported and facilitated by Occupational Therapists to ensure the child will be safe at home, ensuring any equipment or environmental changes are set up. Additionally, they can help beyond treatment to support children to re-integrate into school, activities and the community with appropriate management of late effects.
Professional accreditation
Occupational Therapists are registered with The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to ensure that they are providing a safe, professional and effective care to a reliable standard. It is common for therapists to be members of The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) for up-to-date research and training within the profession.
How to contact an Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists can be contacted usually through the hospital, although not every hospital will have an Occupational Therapy Department. If this is the case, it would be recommended to access Occupational Therapy services locally with a referral from the child’s General Practitioner.