This week Bobbi Conner talks with Dr. Scott Hutchison about oncology occupational therapy. Dr. Hutchison is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy and Assistant Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at MUSC.
TRANSCRIPT:
Conner: I'm Bobbi Conner for South Carolina Public Radio with Health Focus here at the radio studio for the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Occupational therapy can help cancer patients and cancer survivors manage and recover from the physical and functional and emotional challenges associated with cancer and its treatment and side effects. Doctor Scott Hutchison is here to provide the details. Doctor Hutchison is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy, and he's an Assistant Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at MUSC. Doctor Hutchison, give us an overview of oncology occupational therapy.
Dr. Hutchison: Some people think that occupational therapy is just about going to work and a job. But actually the word occupation to us means every activity or task in life, from getting dressed, to going to work, to taking care of children. We treat multiple systems of the body, including physical abilities, also mental health and cognition and sensation. In the case of oncology occupational therapy, cancer can have an effect on any of these systems, in addition to the cancer treatments that have saved the person's life. Our treatments aim to help survivors return to life activities they were engaged in before with the diagnosis of cancer.
Conner: What specific conditions or cancer related issues might be addressed with oncology occupational therapy?
Dr. Hutchison: The treatments that we might provide depend on the cancer and the type of treatment that the patient has received. Radiation fibrosis is sort of like burning under the skin and causes scars and loss of range of motion. Chemo brain is a condition that patients consider sort of a brain fog after having chemotherapy. Fatigue is a very, very big issue related to cancer treatments, as well as if there is a surgery involved removing lymph nodes, lymphedema is also a very common condition that we treat.
Conner: When might OT begin for cancer patients or cancer survivors?
Dr. Hutchison: Part of my work is finding a way for occupational therapy to get in earlier, maybe even before they have surgery or treatments. But it's much more common for occupational therapy to be ordered after the surgery or after the therapy, so survivors are more commonly treated with OT.
Conner: Doctor Hutchinson What typically goes on in these OT sessions?
Dr. Hutchison: Energy conservation is a technique that we help people participate in their daily activities despite any fatigue. So, working through the fatigue and still being able to do what they need to do. Sometimes helping increase range of motion and increasing strength after surgery or after radiation fibrosis. Oftentimes pain is persistent after cancer, so we might be able to help find pain management techniques in addition to any medications that they're receiving.
Conner: Is it standard practice that a cancer patient or cancer survivor might be referred to occupational therapy, or does the patient request it from their oncologist? How do they get started with this therapy?
Dr. Hutchison: That's what my work is focused on, is making occupational therapy more commonly ordered. So yes, any physician can order occupational therapy, and certainly patients can request it if they feel like they're not able to participate in the activities that they were doing prior to cancer. And most insurances cover it. Medicare certainly covers occupational therapy, and since other insurances usually offer the same coverage, most are also covering occupational therapy.
Conner: Doctor Hutchison, thanks for this information about oncology OT.
Dr. Hutchison: It's my pleasure. Thank you.
Conner: From the radio studio for the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, I'm Bobbi Conner for South Carolina Public Radio.
Health Focus transcripts are intended to accurately represent the original audio version of the program; however, some discrepancies or inaccuracies may exist.
