Publication: Occupational disruption among people with haematological cancer during treatment isolation

Tolson, Amanda, Lowrie, Daniel, Chand, Alisha, and Marsh, Jodie (2017) Occupational disruption among people with haematological cancer during treatment isolation. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 24 (9). pp. 394-402.

https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/50878/

Abstract
Occupational disruption and deprivation have been researched across a range of health and socio-political contexts. To date, no previous research has examined these phenomena in a haematological treatment isolation context. The purpose of this study was to develop an improved understanding of the occupational impact of prolonged treatment isolation upon people with haematological cancer. Narrative data were collected through a single semi-structured interviews with four adults with a history of haematological cancer and treatment isolation. The data were analysed through an interpretive phenomenological lens, resulting in four key, interrelated themes: survival as an occupation, environmental deprivation, polarised views of routine and reframing occupational identity. Whilst all participants experienced disruption to their previous occupational routines during and beyond treatment isolation, the degree and nature of this disruption varied over time. During the initial phases of isolation, a focus was placed on survival as the key occupation. Later, a sense of physical, sensory and social deprivation emerged as a result of the restrictive environment. This triggered a reframing of their identity as occupational beings, which continued post-treatment. The findings of this paper are important within the field of occupational science as they highlight the necessity of personalised approaches to supporting occupational engagement among people with haematological cancer, which might require modification over time, as individual's needs and priorities evolve.