Occupational Therapy Intervention with Adolescents with Cancer in Hospital Context

Abstract

Introduction: The occupational therapist practice with hospitalized adolescents promotes the recovery of their health and helps maintain their quality of life, providing their motivation. Objective: To describe the performance of occupational therapists with hospitalized adolescents with cancer. Method: Analysis of all interventions of Occupational Therapy with adolescents was carried out in a Pediatric Hematological Oncology ward of a town in the countryside of São Paulo from February 2008 to July 2010. Data collection was made by reading the charts, identifying outlined objectives, resources / strategies used and results achieved during the period mentioned. Results: The scope of the research covered 33 adolescents, between 12-18 years old, and 186 interventions were made, aiming at: establishing therapeutic bonds; encouraging areas of occupational performance of routine activities, social participation, education and work; stimulating cognitive components; promoting the exercise of autonomy; encouraging skills and capabilities; guiding families and adolescents in relation to examinations, medical and nursing procedures; the making of orthesis and adjustments in everyday objects, and proving support for the adolescents and their families. Games, handicraft activities, energy conservation techniques and guidance on activities to generate incomes were the resources and strategies used. Conclusion: The occupational therapist in a cancer ward facilitates the rescue of occupational roles of adolescents, thus contributing to a better re-organization of their routine and increased self-esteem.