Characterization the Patient Profile of the Occupational Therapy Sector in Pediatric Oncology

Abstract

Introduction: With the increasing scope of actions to assist cancer patients towards rehabilitation, empowerment and improved quality of life, along with the focus on diagnosis and treatment, the inclusion of other professionals in this area took place. Objective: This study aimed to characterize the profile of children and adolescents with cancer treated with occupational therapy. Method: We analyzed the charts of 34 patients treated throughout the year of 2007. The collected data were filled into a form, which contained: data related to personal identification, clinical data related to cancer, and data regarding the evaluation and treatment of occupational therapy. Descriptive analysis was the statistical method used. Results: It was identified that 34 children and adolescents were seen and there was equivalence as to gender, whose majority was between 6 and 10 years of age (13 individuals) with a diagnosis of tumor in the central nervous system (23 individuals), who were not studying (20 individuals) with incomes between one and three minimum wages (25 families) and using the Unified Health System (32 individuals). Referrals for occupational therapy occurred mainly through physical therapy (13 subjects) and physiatry (7 subjects). Conclusion: In the evaluation and treatment it was found that attention was focused on basic and instrumental activities of daily living and physical, sensory and cognitive development. It is concluded that occupational therapy focusing on pediatric oncology needs more referrals and we expect to contribute to the dissemination of its work and the importance of its consolidation in the area.