An exploration of the perspectives of patients with cancer on occupational therapy-led relaxation sessions

Abstract

Background: The diagnosis of cancer and its treatment creates multidimensional symptoms that are highly prevalent in individuals with cancer. These include physical, psychological, social and spiritual effects on the individual, as well as the people that surround them. This goes on to further affect their health, well-being and overall quality of life. Purpose: This research study aims to gain a better understanding of the lived experience of individuals with cancer, as well as to determine if the occupational therapy-led relaxation programme had any impact on the participants' perceived quality of life. Method: This qualitative study made use of purposive sampling to recruit the eight participants that met the inclusion criteria. The participants underwent an 11-week beginner relaxation programme created by the occupational therapists at SAMOC. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and information from the ‘Patient Experience Questionnaire’ was accessed. Thematic analysis was carried out to categorise and analyse the data collected. Results: Six main themes along with their respective sub-themes were identified. These consisted of acknowledging the disruption to the individual’s lifestyle and identity due to cancer. It also highlighted the impact of the relaxation programme, including being able to prioritise themselves, learning coping skills and strategies to face stressors, having a safe and non-judgemental space, noticing the importance of being in a group due to the support and therapeutic conversation, as well as determining the impact of sensory inputs during the sessions. Conclusion: The main conclusion was that the individuals with cancer perceived their quality of life to be improved following their attendance at the relaxation sessions.