The Vital Role of Home Health Occupational Therapy During the Prehabilitation Phase of Chemotherapy

The document discusses the often-overlooked prehabilitation phase in cancer care, which occurs after diagnosis but before chemotherapy begins. It highlights the lack of a standard care protocol during this phase, despite evidence that early interventions can improve functional outcomes. The essay argues for the inclusion of home health occupational therapy during prehabilitation, as it can address various unmet needs such as home precautions, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, cognition issues, chemotherapy-induced alopecia, cancer-related fatigue, pre-existing conditions, and emotional distress. The document emphasizes the potential benefits of occupational therapy in enhancing patient care during this critical preparatory period.