Individuals with advanced cancer face profound daily disruptions, yet research specifically focusing on their personal participation experiences remains limited. This study aimed to explore the daily life experiences and participation perceptions of advanced-stage cancer patients receiving palliative care. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight patients, and data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Four themes were identified: (1) dependence in activities of daily living and loss of function, (2) altered occupational identity and social participation restrictions, (3) occupational disruption and longing for the past (4) the role of support systems and care services. Participants emphasized that social isolation, unmet rehabilitation needs, and the loss of meaningful roles affected them as much as physical symptoms. The findings suggest that maintaining occupational identity is a vital need, distinct from mere functional ability. Consequently, there is an urgent need for patient-centered rehabilitation services within palliative care settings to address these fundamental humanistic needs.
AllsopMJTaylorSBennettMI, et al. (2019) Understanding patient requirements for technology systems that support pain management in palliative care services: A qualitative study. Health Informatics Journal25(3): 1105–1115.
2.
AndershedBTernestedtBMHåkansonC (2013) Palliativ vård: begrepp & perspektiv i teori och praktik. Studentlitteratur AB.
3.
BiallasMAndrushevichANiekeC, et al. (2025) The role of assistive technology in palliative care: A scoping review. Technology and Disability37(3): 221–228.
4.
BlackJ (2011) What are patients’ priorities when facing the end of life? A critical review. International Journal of Palliative Nursing17(6): 294–300.
5.
BraunVClarkeV (2006) Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology3(2): 77–101.
6.
BraunVClarkeV (2014) What Can “Thematic Analysis” Offer Health and Wellbeing Researchers?Taylor & Francis, p.26152.
7.
ChernyNIRadbruchL and Board of the European Association for Palliative Care (2009) European association for palliative care (EAPC) recommended framework for the use of sedation in palliative care. Palliative Medicine23(7): 581–593.
8.
CoyleN (2006) The hard work of living in the face of death. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management32(3): 266–274.
9.
EvaGWeeB (2010) Rehabilitation in end-of-life management. Current Opinion in Supportive and Palliative Care4(3): 158–162.
10.
Güney YılmazGYücelHGintilieneM (2026) Actual roles of occupational therapists in palliative and hospice care: A scoping review. American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Care43(2): 213–220.
11.
HammillKByeRCookC (2019) Occupational engagement of people living with a life-limiting illness: Occupational therapists’ perceptions. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal66(2): 145–153.
12.
HughesN (2006) User involvement in cancer care research. European Journal of Palliative Care13: 248–250.
13.
JeyasingamLAgarMSoaresM, et al. (2008) A prospective study of unmet activity of daily living needs in palliative care inpatients. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal55(4): 266–272.
14.
KeesingSRosenwaxL (2011) Is occupation missing from occupational therapy in palliative care?Australian Occupational Therapy Journal58(5): 329–336.
15.
la CourKJohannessenHJosephssonS (2009) Activity and meaning making in the everyday lives of people with advanced cancer. Palliative & Supportive Care7(4): 469–479.
16.
MaerskJLJohannessenHla CourK (2019) Occupation as marker of self: Occupation in relation to self among people with advanced cancer. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy26(1): 9–18.
17.
OzcelikHFadilogluCKarabulutB, et al. (2010) Palliative care activity in the field of oncology in Turkey. Journal of Palliative Care26(4): 305–310.
18.
O’BrienBCHarrisIBBeckmanTJ, et al. (2014) Standards for reporting qualitative research: A synthesis of recommendations. Academic Medicine89(9): 1245–1251.
19.
PattonMQ (2014) Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods: Integrating Theory and Practice. Sage publications.
20.
PizziMABriggsR (2004) Occupational and physical therapy in hospice: The facilitation of meaning, quality of life, and well-being. Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation20(2): 120–130.
21.
RadbruchL (2009) White paper on standards and norms for hospice and palliative care in Europe: Part 1. European Journal of Palliative Care16(6): 278.
22.
SaotomeTIwaseSNojimaM, et al. (2018) Assessment of activities of daily living and quality of life among palliative care inpatients: A preliminary prospective cohort study. Progress in Palliative Care26(1): 14–21.
23.
SteinhauserKEChristakisNAClippEC, et al. (2000) Factors considered important at the end of life by patients, family, physicians, and other care providers. Journal of the American Medical Association284(19): 2476–2482.
24.
TaylorKCurrowD (2003) A prospective study of patient identified unmet activity of daily living needs among cancer patients at a comprehensive cancer care center. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal50(2): 79–85.
25.
TishelmanCLindqvistOHajdarevicS, et al. (2016) Beyond the visual and verbal: using participant-produced photographs in research on the surroundings for care at the end-of-life. Social Science & Medicine168: 120–129.
26.
Van BiljonHMEngelbrechtMVan der WaltJ, et al. (2024) Occupational therapy in adult palliative care. A rapid review. South African Journal of Occupational Therapy54(3): 1–8.
27.
von PostHWagmanP (2019) What is important to patients in palliative care? A scoping review of the patient’s perspective. Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy26(1): 1–8.
28.
WhitefordG (2000) Occupational deprivation: Global challenge in the new millennium. British Journal of Occupational Therapy63(5): 200–204.
29.
World Health Organization (2021) WHO definition of palliative care. World Health Organization.
30.
World Health Organization and UNICEF (2022) Global Report on Assistive Technology. World Health Organization.
