Living with brain cancer : identifying unmet needs and gaps in occupational therapy practice

Background: People with brain cancer experience numerous unmet occupational needs resulting from their tumour and subsequent treatment. Little is known however, about the impact of these unmet needs on occupational performance and participation, or whether these needs are being addressed by current occupational therapy practice. Aims: This study aimed to: (i) develop an in‐depth understanding of the occupational needs of people with brain cancer; and (ii) to determine whether occupational therapy practice is meeting the needs of this cohort. Methods: Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 16 people with brain cancer. Recruitment was conducted through a single service site. Qualitative thematic analysis was employed to identify common themes among participants’ experiences. Results: Analysis revealed three overarching themes: (i) Living with brain cancer: The adverse effects of tumour and treatment (ii) Brain cancer alters occupational needs and engagement (iii) Gaps in occupational therapy service provision: The need to change practice in brain cancer. Results demonstrated that this cohort have unique occupational needs surrounding social participation, leisure occupations, work and activities of closure. Furthermore, current services are not addressing these needs resulting in decreased occupational engagement. Conclusions: This research is the first to address the needs of people with brain cancer from an occupational perspective. Study recommendations include: (i) occupational therapy interventions need to be refocused to meet client's needs (ii) referrals and follow‐up of people with brain cancer should occur post acute care; and (iii) clients and health professionals should be educated on the occupational therapy role in this area.