Putting your body, mind and soul at rest : well-being for people living with brain cancer

Introduction: The effects of brain cancer significantly impact a person's ability to participate in meaningful occupations, often negatively affecting their wellbeing. Maintaining well-being is often the therapeutic goal of treatment as the disease progresses. Yet, there is currently no evidence to demonstrate whether occupational therapy practice can enhance well-being for people with brain cancer. Aim: This study aimed to (i) gain an in-depth understanding of the lived experience of well-being post brain cancer diagnosis; and (ii) to identify whether occupational therapy could enhance the well-being of people living with brain cancer. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 people with primary brain cancer. Recruitment occurred via a metropolitan cancer centre. Qualitative thematic analysis identified common themes amongst participants' experiences. Results: Thematic analysis revealed two overarching categories which enabled participants to put their "body, mind and soul at rest" and achieve well-being. These were: (i) "living day to day": strategies to remain hopeful and (ii) creating supportive networks to enhance well-being. Findings discuss the strategies used by participants to enhance well-being including: the need to adapt to changing roles and occupations; taking life one day at a time; remaining hopeful; and the importance of emotional and informational support. Conclusion: This is the first study to investigate the multifaceted influences of well-being on people with brain cancer from an occupational perspective. Findings suggest that therapists can positively influence the well-being of this population through improved communication and the inclusion of psychological therapies into practice, and by addressing occupations beyond self-care.