Abstract
Background: Young adult cancer survivors (18-35 years old) are at risk of lifelong threats to physical and psychosocial health and decreased life participation. Research indicates lack of information about the late effects and health risks and limited follow-up and rehabilitation.
Objective: The objectives of this study were to examine whether a goal-oriented rehabilitation program increased young adult cancer survivors' participation and explore the participants' descriptions and experience of the process.
Methods: We used a convergent parallel design combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Sixteen young adult cancer survivors (aged 24-35 years), with different cancer diagnoses, were allocated to a 6-month rehabilitation program.
Results: The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure showed significant (P < .001) change in both performance and satisfaction from the start (T1) to the end (T4) of the program. Qualitative results indicated that increased participation was depended on building capacity and finding the balance, gaining new insight, and follow-up. Important factors of the rehabilitation program seemed to be physical activity, psychoeducation, peer-to-peer support, and follow-up over time.
Conclusions: Results indicate that a goal-oriented rehabilitation program may increase participation by young adult cancer survivors. The goal-oriented process is not straightforward and depends on experience of coping and control, finding a balance between the different areas of life and follow-up over time.
Implications for Practice: Health professionals should play an important role in the rehabilitation of young adult cancer survivors by promoting empowerment and follow-up over time. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure seems to be a valuable instrument for setting goals and thus helps facilitate participation.