Cancer survivors' experience of OptiMal, a 6-week, occupation-based, self-management intervention:

IntroductionCancer survivors experience persistent symptoms such as pain, fatigue, anxiety and depression post-treatment, resulting in social isolation and decreased activity participation. A 6-week, occupation-focused, self-management programme, OptiMal, was delivered to cancer survivors. A mixed methods approach was employed to explore the impact of the programme. For the purpose of addressing the focus of this paper, only qualitative data were extrapolated.MethodsA qualitative description design was undertaken with survivors to explore their perceptions of the impact of OptiMal on cancer survivorship and opinions of the programme. Qualitative data were collected through focus groups and semi-structured interviews post-intervention and at 3 months follow-up. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsFour OptiMal programmes were delivered with 26 individuals of mixed cancer diagnoses over an 18-month period. Following thematic analysis, two themes emerged: 1. Supporting the transition to survivor...