Techniques and Adjunctive Resources to Pharmacological Treatment in Managing Oncological Pain: Interface with Occupational Therapy Clinical Practice

• Grant number: 24/09043-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Selma Lancman
• Grantee: Leticia Rodrigues Viana
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Cancer encompasses over 100 different diseases, all characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells due to genetic mutations. It is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with an estimated 704,000 new cases annually in Brazil between 2023 and 2025, predominantly involving non-melanoma skin, female breast, and prostate tumors. Treatment typically includes surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, aiming for both cure and patient well-being. However, pain, resulting from both the disease and its treatments, is a common symptom, necessitating approaches beyond medications. Pain is a multidimensional phenomenon that significantly impacts occupational life, causing role disruptions and daily disabilities for those with cancer.Objective: This research aims to compare the literature on non-pharmacological approaches with the clinical practice of Occupational Therapists in managing oncological pain, seeking to understand the role of these professionals in oncology.Method: The study will be divided into two phases: a systematic literature review to investigate non-pharmacological approaches, and a qualitative exploratory study involving 10 open semi-structured interviews, or until data saturation, to examine the techniques and resources used by Occupational Therapists in this context. The interviews will be analyzed using the content analysis method proposed by Bardin (1977). Following this, data triangulation from both phases will be conducted to comprehensively understand and investigate the techniques and resources of Occupational Therapy that complement pharmacological treatment in managing oncological pain. Keywords: Cancer, Occupational Therapy, Non-Pharmacological Techniques and Resources.