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Published on: August 4, 2011
Participation in an occupational therapy referral program for children with retinoblastoma
Jessica Sparrow1, Rachel Brennan2, Shenghua Mao3
1Rehabilitation Services, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
Insights
Children with retinoblastoma need rehabilitation services. An occupational therapy screening program identified 72.7% of children needing services, with 75% receiving them.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Retinoblastoma affects young children, increasing vulnerability to vision impairment and developmental delays.
- Limited data exists on developmental delays and functional limitations in retinoblastoma patients, highlighting the need for supportive services.
- Rehabilitation services are crucial for managing the functional impact of retinoblastoma in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the participation of newly diagnosed retinoblastoma children in an occupational therapy program.
- To identify children requiring rehabilitation services.
- To determine referral indications and service receipt likelihood for these children.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal occupational therapy assessments were conducted for 22 children post-diagnosis.
- The study tracked participation in occupational therapy and identified needs for rehabilitation services.
Main Results:
- Rehabilitation services were recommended for 16 out of 22 (72.7%) children.
- Of those recommended, 12 out of 16 (75%) children received the necessary services.
Conclusions:
- A prospective occupational therapy screening program is feasible for identifying children with retinoblastoma needing rehabilitation.
- The program successfully identified and initiated therapy services for some affected children.
- Developmental screenings and consistent follow-up are strongly recommended for children with retinoblastoma.
Purpose:
Because retinoblastoma typically arises at a very young age, children are particularly vulnerable to vision impairment, associated developmental delays, and functional limitations. Limited information is available describing developmental delay and functional limitations in this population, necessitating supportive services including rehabilitation. The aims of this study were to describe the participation of children with newly diagnosed retinoblastoma in an occupational therapy program that identifies children in need of rehabilitation services. We also identify indications for referral to rehabilitation services among children with newly diagnosed retinoblastoma and enumerate the likelihood of these children receiving the recommended services.
Methods:
Twenty-two children participated in longitudinal occupational therapy assessments during the first year after diagnosis.
Results:
We recommended 1 or more types of rehabilitation services for 16 of 22 (72.7%) participants. Twelve of 16 (75%) received services.
Conclusions:
The results of this pilot study indicate that implementing a prospective occupational therapy-screening program is feasible and results in identification and initiation of therapy services in some children with retinoblastoma. Developmental screenings and follow-up of children with retinoblastoma is strongly recommended.
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