Feasibility and Acceptability of an Occupation‑Based Telehealth Intervention for Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Authors

• Bernard A. Muriithi, Binghamton University--SUNYFollow
• Milan Bimali, University of Arkansas for Medical SciencesFollow
• Mario Schootman, University of Arkansas for Medical SciencesFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

0009-0005-5892-708

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-2026

Keywords

occupational resilience; cancer survivorship; telehealth; rehabilitation; quality of life; Occupational Resilience Framework

Department

<--Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences-->

Abstract

Introduction

Cancer survivors frequently experience occupational performance challenges during early survivorship, and telehealth may offer a feasible approach to deliver interventions during this period.

Methods

This pilot randomized controlled trial included 17 adults in the first year following breast or prostate cancer diagnosis, assigned to the ActiveHeal Cancer Program (ACP) or a control group. ACP consisted of six 75‑minute occupation‑focused virtual group sessions and weekly follow‑up telephone calls delivered by occupational therapists over 12 weeks. Control participants attended three brief virtual meetings without therapeutic intervention. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed using validated measures, attendance, and completion rates. The exploratory outcomes included occupational resilience, quality of life, and psychological wellbeing.

Results

ACP demonstrated high feasibility and acceptability, with median ratings of 5 on a 5‑point scale across all items, average session attendance of 86%, and a completion rate of 78%. Exploratory outcome estimates for occupational resilience, quality of life, and psychological wellbeing were small and variable, with no statistically significant between‑group differences. Several intervention participants underwent major surgical procedures during the study period, likely influencing engagement and outcomes.

Conclusion

Findings indicate that occupation‑based telehealth is feasible to deliver during early cancer survivorship, supporting further evaluation of such interventions within cancer rehabilitation.

Comments

Funding

Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under award number UM1 TR004909 and K12TR004924. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Acknowledgement

We thank Kevin Culwell, Oroo Oyioka, and Lasea Allen, occupational therapists, for providing individualized intervention.

Conflict of Interest

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Recommended Citation

Muriithi, B.A.K, Bimali, M. & Schootman, M. (2026). Feasibility and Acceptability of an Occupation‑Based Telehealth Intervention for Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. British Journal of Occupational Therapy,