Millions of survivors are living following treatment of breast cancer. Survivors commonly experience cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), which is associated with decreased quality of life. Occupational therapists (OT) assess and treat CRCI, yet are under-utilized. A barrier to utilization may be related to clinicians’ lack of education related to OT for CRCI. This project compared clinicians’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding the use of OT for CRCI and the number of referrals to OT before and after an educational intervention.
A pre-test and post-test comparative exploratory design using a 17-item survey was used. Session content included interventions for CRCI focused on OT, and logistical information needed to support OT referrals. OT referral rates were extracted from the electronic medical record. The sample was a convenience sample of 9 clinicians from a suburban oncology clinic.
Significant differences were noted between pre- and post-survey scores in 7 of 8 slider scale items. Clinicians reported greater frequency in assessing for CRCI, comfort in assessing and suggesting interventions for CRCI and knowledge about OT following the educational intervention. More providers identified OT as an intervention for CRCI and fewer clinicians were unaware of available interventions for CRCI. The number of OT referrals for CRCI significantly increased in the post-intervention period.
This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of an educational intervention to improve knowledge, skills, and attitudes of clinicians who care for breast cancer survivors with CRCI. Increase in OT referrals suggests that education led to increased awareness and management of CRCI, which may improve quality of life among breast cancer survivors. This intervention has potential to be broadly replicated, positively impacting oncology clinicians and their patients experiencing CRCI.