Occupational therapy in orthopaedic oncology: scoping review

This scoping review aims to explore the existing literature on occupational therapy's (OT's) role in orthopaedic oncology rehabilitation. The objectives of the review are to determine the extent of OT involvement in this area, the evaluations and interventions used and the outcomes measured, which will help identify gaps in current research.

The review followed the Joanna Briggs guidelines using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist, where all English language research articles containing qualitative or quantitative data from March 2015 to March 2025, consisting of adult patients with musculoskeletal cancers who received OT or similar rehabilitation services, were included. Five databases, PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science, were searched, from which 18 articles were selected for the scoping review.

Only four studies clearly described the OT role in the rehabilitation team. One article provided more detailed information on the domains of OT, and five showed OT as part of a multidisciplinary team in brief. Outcomes included participation in activities of daily living, increased functional independence and return to work. The OT assessments and detailed strategies were minimal. Important aspects, such as psychosocial support, caregiver burden and environmental modifications, received little attention.

Detailed records on OT's role in orthopaedic cancer rehabilitation are lacking. Further studies should include roles, rehabilitation, tools, protocol development, with emphasis on emotional support, social aspects and caregiver support.