Clinical reasoning of occupational therapists when collaborating with other occupations regarding occupational therapy for terminal cancer patients

Abstract

This study aimed to clarify the clinical reasoning of occupational therapists (OTRs) who collaborate with other occupations to provide occupational therapy (OT) to terminal cancer patients. Semi-structured interviews with OTRs assisting terminal cancer patients were conducted. We analyzed the co-occurrence network using KH coder, and extracted the following: communicate the difference between physical therapy and OT to nurses and other occupations and inquire about anything they do not understand; get physicians to imagine rehabilitation situations and encourage them to prescribe OT; meet and speak directly with other occupations at conferences and wards; share patients' ADL situations and goals; and play roles according to the patient's individuality. We believe that the above will serve as an action guideline for OTRs and facilitate collaboration with other occupations.