Participation in an occupational therapy referral program for children with retinoblastoma.
Because retinoblastoma typically arises at a very young age, children are particularly vulnerable to vision impairment, associated developmental delays, and functional limitations. Limited information is available describing developmental delay and functional limitations in this population, necessitating supportive services including rehabilitation. The aims of this study were to describe the participation of children with newly diagnosed retinoblastoma in an occupational therapy program that identifies children in need of rehabilitation services. We also identify indications for referral to rehabilitation services among children with newly diagnosed retinoblastoma and enumerate the likelihood of these children receiving the recommended services.



Twenty-two children participated in longitudinal occupational therapy assessments during the first year after diagnosis.



We recommended 1 or more types of rehabilitation services for 16 of 22 (72.7%) participants. Twelve of 16 (75%) received services.



The results of this pilot study indicate that implementing a prospective occupational therapy-screening program is feasible and results in identification and initiation of therapy services in some children with retinoblastoma. Developmental screenings and follow-up of children with retinoblastoma is strongly recommended.
Rehabilitation Services, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
Jessica
J
Sparrow
Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
Rachel
R
Brennan
Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
Shenghua
S
Mao
Department of Epidemiology & Cancer Control, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
Kirsten K
KK
Ness
Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA.|Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Carlos
C
Rodriguez-Galindo
Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.|Department of Ophthalmology, Hamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA.
Matthew
M
Wilson
Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
Ibrahim
I
Qaddoumi
D002675:Child, Preschool; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D019572:Retinal Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012175:Retinoblastoma / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013714:Tennessee; D016896:Treatment Outcome
Retinoblastoma; occupational therapy; pediatric rehabilitation; physical therapy; speech therapy