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What is the Difference Between Curative and Palliative Care in Cancer Treatment?

Kirsten Davin, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, SMS, CAPS, CHSE

July 15, 2024

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Question

What is the difference between curative and palliative care in cancer treatment?

 

Answer

Curative or therapeutic care aims to cure the illness and return the patient to their prior health status. The focus is treatments and therapies that help eliminate cancer and restore function. In this context, occupational therapy goals include restoring the patient’s previous levels of function and supporting their return to daily activities.

On the other hand, palliative care focuses on optimizing comfort, managing symptoms, and improving the quality of life for patients and their families. This type of care is often provided when a cure is not possible, and it includes reducing stress and supporting patient-centered goals. Occupational therapy in palliative care aims to balance comfort and function, helping patients maintain as much independence as possible and supporting them in achieving meaningful activities, even if their condition limits them.

 

This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, Navigating The Journey: OT’s Role In Oncology And Navigating End-of-Life Careby Kirsten Davin, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, SMS, CAPS, CHSE.


kirsten davin

Kirsten Davin, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, SMS, CAPS, CHSE

Dr. Kirsten Davin is a veteran Occupational Therapist with over 23 years of extensive experience in a variety of inpatient and acute care practice settings, including oncology, since obtaining her occupational therapy degree in 2001. She is best known for her live, national speaking tours, as she has conducted thousands of workshops and courses on the topics of splinting, seating/positioning, assistive technology, acute care assessment and intervention, work/life balance, and more. She currently holds four specialty certifications as an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP), a Seating and Mobility Specialist (SMS), a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), and a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE).

Kirsten received her doctorate in occupational therapy in 2007 and graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2001. She was named the 2016 recipient of the VGM HME (Home Medical Equipment) Woman of the Year award, presented at the fall MedTrade conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Currently, she serves as faculty and the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for Baylor University’s occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) program in Waco, Texas.

 


Related Courses

Navigating The Journey: OT’s Role In Oncology And Navigating End-of-Life Care
Presented by Kirsten Davin, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, SMS, CAPS, CHSE
Video

Presenter

Kirsten Davin, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, SMS, CAPS, CHSE
Course: #6393Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Good explanation of common cancer treatments, symptoms that can impact function and how to address these using a client- and caregiver-centered approach'   Read Reviews
How clinicians can successfully evaluate and treat clients in oncology rehabilitation throughout the continuum of care will be addressed in this course. Therapists will benefit from building their oncology rehabilitation expertise through current evidence, comprehensive intervention methods, case studies, and specific guidance for clients with various cancer diagnoses. A specialized focus on therapy’s role in end-of-life care will be provided.

Successful Static Splinting: Foundations, Part 1
Presented by Kirsten Davin, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, SMS
Video

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Kirsten Davin, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, SMS
Course: #4768Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'Explains nicely and thoroughly'   Read Reviews
Following a brief overview of the history of splint fabrication and the advances in the splinting and orthotics arena, an anatomical review of hand structures and landmarks will be performed. Types of splints as well as the variety in thermoplastic materials and characteristics will be presented in preparation for additional courses within this series. This course is Part 1 of a 4-part series on static splinting.

Successful Static Splinting: Forearm Based Splint Fabrication, Part 2
Presented by Kirsten Davin, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, SMS
Video

Presenter

Kirsten Davin, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, SMS
Course: #4785Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Thorough explanation with video recording for visual learners'   Read Reviews
In this course, types of pre-cut, pre-formed and sheet-based splint fabrication techniques are explored as well as a comparison between volar and dorsal-based approaches. A detailed demonstration of four types of forearm-based wrist orthotics are presented, including radial gutter/thumb spica splints, dorsal and volar wrist cock-ups, and functional position with an intrinsic plus modification option. This course is Part 2 of a 4-part series on static splinting.

Successful Static Splinting: Hand Based Splint Fabrication, Part 3
Presented by Kirsten Davin, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, SMS
Video

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Kirsten Davin, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, SMS
Course: #4814Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Great ideas for finger splinting'   Read Reviews
Types of pre-cut, pre-formed and sheet-based splint fabrication techniques are explored as well as video demonstration of the fabrication of a hand-based thumb spica, finger gutter and MP joint blocking splints. In addition, the application and use of a spring finger extension splint, oval 8 splints as well as static progressive finger flexion and extension splints are discussed.

Successful Static Splinting: Fabrication for Specific Diagnoses, Part 4
Presented by Kirsten Davin, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, SMS
Video

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Kirsten Davin, OTD, OTR/L, ATP, SMS
Course: #4838Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Great review and helpful in consideration of burn pt splinting needs'   Read Reviews
Types of pre-cut, pre-formed and sheet-based splint fabrication techniques are explored as well as instruction on the fabrication of a foot plate for external fixator application, the application of lower extremity splints and orthotics as well as splinting considerations for specific diagnoses including burn injury. A focus on creative splinting techniques is emphasized.

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