Objective

Medical progress in cancer care has led to increased life expectancy outcomes across all stages of cancer, including in advanced cancers. People now living with advanced chronic cancers have unique, ongoing functional and quality-of-life needs. This article explores the functional considerations of individuals living with advanced chronic cancers in terms of managing chronic palliative care needs, assessing and intervening for functional issues, and consistently using occupational therapy in shared service provision together with medical and nursing teams. The unique and changing functional needs of these individuals may be effectively addressed through consideration of chronic palliative approaches to care; earlier access to occupational therapy services to facilitate continued engagement in everyday activities; and shared service provision with nursing to address both medical wellness and functional status.

Data Sources

These include key databases (Pubmed, CINAHL), international guidelines, and professional guidance documents.

Conclusion

Individuals living with advanced chronic cancer have ongoing and fluctuating functional needs that should be addressed in palliative care service provision. The inclusion of occupational therapy as part of inter- and multidisciplinary teams can facilitate maximization of function for individuals living with advanced chronic cancer.

Implications for Nursing Practice

Timely early referrals to occupational therapy can address functional issues as they arise, and can prepare individuals for future functional considerations.

中文翻译：

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职业治疗在满足晚期慢性癌症患者功能需求方面的重要作用

客观的

癌症护理方面的医学进步导致所有癌症阶段的预期寿命结果增加，包括晚期癌症。现在患有晚期慢性癌症的人有独特的、持续的功能和生活质量需求。本文探讨了晚期慢性癌症患者在管理慢性姑息治疗需求、评估和干预功能问题以及与医疗和护理团队一起在共享服务中始终如一地使用职业治疗方面的功能考虑。通过考虑慢性姑息治疗方法，可以有效地解决这些人独特和不断变化的功能需求；尽早获得职业治疗服务，以促进持续参与日常活动；

数据源

其中包括关键数据库（Pubmed、CINAHL）、国际指南和专业指导文件。

结论

晚期慢性癌症患者有持续和波动的功能需求，应在提供姑息治疗服务中加以解决。将职业治疗作为跨学科和多学科团队的一部分，可以促进晚期慢性癌症患者的功能最大化。

对护理实践的影响

及时及早转诊至职业治疗可以解决出现的功能问题，并使个人为未来的功能考虑做好准备。