Pediatric Cancer Survivor

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About the Course
Definitions of “childhood cancer” may vary, depending on the geographical location and system referenced. This course will focus primarily on the needs of PCS ages 0-14 years, as described by the NCI (2020a). The term “survivor” will be used to describe an individual “from the time of diagnosis until the end of life” as guided by the NCI (2020a). References and recommendations will also apply to adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors, as many AYA survivors continue to receive care from pediatric health systems. OT practitioners must remain cognizant of the physiological, psychological, cognitive, and behavioral characteristics that quickly evolve and change during this transitional phase of adolescence.

Learning Objectives

  • Recognize physical and psychosocial side effects of pediatric cancer and its treatment across the continuum of cancer care
  • Identify occupational barriers for pediatric cancer survivors as they transition along the continuum of cancer care
  • Describe the occupational therapy process for evidence-based assessment and intervention approaches for pediatric cancer survivors
  • Apply current research to safely navigate case scenarios for pediatric cancer survivors

About the Author
Laura Stimler, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, C/NDT
In 2002, Laura graduated from Saint Louis University with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy. She earned her Post-professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree with a concentration in Pediatric Science from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in 2014. Laura’s advanced certifications include the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Board Certification in Pediatrics, USC/WPS Sensory Integration and Administration of Sensory Integration Praxis Test, and Pediatric Neuro-Developmental Treatment. Laura’s clinical experience includes working in acute care oncology for nearly nine years at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, where she specialized in treating pediatric oncology patients and supervised occupational and physical therapists. Laura actively researches, presents, and publishes on occupational therapy and cancer rehabilitation. Laura recently completed the Cancer Rehabilitation Digital Badge Program through AOTA. Laura currently works full time as an Associate Professor at Spalding University and teaches fundamentals of occupational therapy, pediatrics, acute care, and oncology courses in the OTD curriculum. 

Jessica Sparrow, OTD, OTR/L, BCP
Jessica Sparrow has been an occupational therapist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for 14 years and has been in the lead therapist position there for 9 years. During this time a focus of her clinical services has been devoted almost exclusively to using occupational therapy to enhance the function and quality of life of children with cancer. She received her doctorate in occupational therapy from Washington University in St. Louis in 2007.  She is a 2010 AOTA Emerging Leader and is AOTA Pediatric Board Certified in Pediatrics.  Jessica is the primary investigator and co-investigator on research protocols related to the rehabilitation of children with cancer and subsequent developmental delay, neurologic impairment, and visual impairment.  She has published and presented nationally and internationally on the topic of pediatric oncology.

How to Receive Credit

  • Read the entire course online or in print.
  • Answer the final examination questions at the end of the course. A passing grade of 75% is required. Test questions link content to learning objectives as a method to enhance individualized learning and material retention.
  • Provide required personal information and payment information.
  • Complete the mandatory course evaluation.
  • Print your Certificate of Completion.

Resolution of Conflict of Interest
Colibri Healthcare, LLC implemented mechanisms prior to the planning and implementation of the continuing education activity, to identify and resolve conflicts of interest for all individuals in a position to control content of the course activity.

Sponsorship/Commercial Support and Non-Endorsement
It is the policy of Colibri not to accept commercial support. Furthermore, commercial interests are prohibited from distributing or providing access to this activity to learners.

Disclaimer
The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition.

©2022: All Rights Reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without the expressed written permission or consent of Colibri Healthcare, LLC. The materials presented in this course are meant to provide the consumer with general information on the topics covered. The information provided was prepared by professionals with practical knowledge of the areas covered. It is not meant to provide medical, legal, or professional advice. Colibri Healthcare, LLC recommends that you consult a medical, legal, or professional services expert licensed in your state. Colibri Healthcare, LLC has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that all content provided in this course is accurate and up to date at the time of printing but does not represent or warrant that it will apply to your situation nor circumstances and assumes no liability from reliance on these materials. Quotes are collected from customer feedback surveys. The models are intended to be representative and not actual customers.

Accreditations and Approvals

AOTA logoColibri Healthcare, LLC is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# 05772. This Distance Learning-Independent is offered at .2 CEUs, Intermediate, OT Service Delivery. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.