Publication: EVIDENCE-BASED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SOLUTIONS FOR SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT IN PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY
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Date
2026-04-16
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Type
Poster
Abstract
This project explored the literature surrounding interventions in occupational therapy that combat common symptoms experienced in pediatric oncology clients. A review of the literature is the first step in understanding evidence-based practice for occupational therapists working with pediatric oncology clients. The incidence of pediatric oncology has grown to approximately 15,000 children diagnosed with cancer annually in the U.S. (Ricci et al, 2024). The highest incidence rates are found in leukemias, brain tumors, and lymphomas (Siegal et al, 2018). Prevalence is notably higher among non-Hispanic White children, and residents of the Northeast (Price et al, 2025). Survival outcomes have improved significantly since the mid-1970s, with recent data showing five-year survival rates between 83.2% and 87.8% across pediatric age groups (Price et al, 2025). Improved survival rates lead to concurrent and post-cancer symptoms which often go underrecognized, impacting quality of life prompting the need for evidence-based interventions (Price et al, 2025). To further understand the evidence in occupational therapy surrounding treatment of symptoms, the authors analyzed the literature using a level of evidence framework. Levels of evidence are assigned to studies based on the research design, quality of the study, and applicability for clinical practice (Hissong et.al, 2015). A review of the literature narrowed symptoms commonly treated in occupational therapy to; fatigue, emotional regulation and responses, cognition, neurosensory, neuromotor and pain. Using reliable databases to further examine evidence-based interventions, the researchers examined and summarized best practices. After the literature was analyzed, the authors created an easy to read guide in understanding the evidence surrounding the effectiveness of occupational therapy treatment for each symptom. The findings emphasize an importance for integrating evidence-based occupational therapy interventions within a variety of treatment contexts for pediatric oncology clients.