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Full-Text Articles in Occupational Therapy
Understanding The Role Of Occupational Therapists In Managing Type 1 Diabetes In Adolescents: A Critically Appraised Topic, Jatin Cranmore, Morgan Harshman, Kelsey Milleson
Understanding The Role Of Occupational Therapists In Managing Type 1 Diabetes In Adolescents: A Critically Appraised Topic, Jatin Cranmore, Morgan Harshman, Kelsey Milleson
Critically Appraised Topics
This critically appraised topic focuses on occupational therapy's role in working with adolescents (10-18 years of age) to manage Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Managing T1D can be challenging and overwhelming, especially for younger individuals because of the added responsibility and transitions that occur during puberty. There is a lack of literature that supports occupational therapy's role when working with clients who have T1D, especially when it comes to the younger populations.
Identifying Occupational Therapy’S Role In Rural Areas For Women Who Have Experienced Domestic Violence, Meagan R. Danda, Maria L. Johnson, Hannah L. Street
Identifying Occupational Therapy’S Role In Rural Areas For Women Who Have Experienced Domestic Violence, Meagan R. Danda, Maria L. Johnson, Hannah L. Street
Critically Appraised Topics
This critically appraised topic (CAT) paper focuses on the effectiveness of occupational therapy utilized via telehealth within adult women (18-64 years old) who are experiencing or who have experienced domestic violence in rural areas. Domestic violence is a common type of violence/abuse that can occur toward any gender or sexual orientation (Rural Health Information Hub, 2024). Domestic violence encompasses physical, social, and/or emotional abuse (Rural Health Information Hub, 2024). It is a form of repetitive behaviors of abuse that occurs within a relationship. (Rural Health Information Hub, 2024). Common behaviors of domestic violence may include preventing social contact, preventing access …
The Use Of Evidence-Based Practice To Strengthen Professional Identity Among Occupational Therapists., Allison M. Stephani, Kaelyn J. Talley, Ariel K. Tix
The Use Of Evidence-Based Practice To Strengthen Professional Identity Among Occupational Therapists., Allison M. Stephani, Kaelyn J. Talley, Ariel K. Tix
Critically Appraised Topics
This critically appraised topic focuses on occupational therapy practitioners’ use of evidence-based practice in their practice regarding how it connects to their professional identity. The population studied was occupational therapy practitioners in their work settings. The main factors that were considered were level of connection to the profession, informal and formal education, and current use of evidence-based practice. Professional identity is defined as how a person sees themselves based on values, motives, experiences and beliefs related to their profession (Poole & Patterson, 2021). According to the Tornebohm Model, professional identity is broken down into four categories, which includes competence, conceptual …
Role Of Mindfulness-Based Interventions In Occupational Therapy With Young Adults With Mental Health Conditions Evoked By Social Media, Allison Haiby, Kennedy Reimann, Katie Quinley
Role Of Mindfulness-Based Interventions In Occupational Therapy With Young Adults With Mental Health Conditions Evoked By Social Media, Allison Haiby, Kennedy Reimann, Katie Quinley
Critically Appraised Topics
This critically appraised topic (CAT) paper focuses on the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions in occupational therapy within a young adult college-aged population, specifically from the ages 18 to 29. The main factors considered in this paper are mental health in young adults, the role of mindfulness-based interventions and occupational therapy, and the implication of social media on occupation.
Increasing Autonomy In The Homeless Veteran Population Through Education-Based Occupational Therapy Intervention: A Critically Appraised Topic, Madeline Kuntz, Karli March, Cheyenne Thompson
Increasing Autonomy In The Homeless Veteran Population Through Education-Based Occupational Therapy Intervention: A Critically Appraised Topic, Madeline Kuntz, Karli March, Cheyenne Thompson
Critically Appraised Topics
The focus for this critically appraised topic (CAT) is increasing the autonomy of homeless veterans through life-skills-based education programs. A review of existing literature found a gap of published research on this topic within occupational therapy and interdisciplinary research communities. There is a lack of experimentally designed research studies focusing on autonomy and community assistance programs utilizing life skills education training for or including the homeless veteran population. The level of evidence presented in the literature relating to this topic has been predominantly found to include non-experimental descriptive quantitative studies (Jones et al., 2021; Kline et al., 2021; Laan et …
Occupational Therapy’S Role In Addressing The Mental Health Of Transitioning Postsecondary Students, Katie Koxlien, Amorelle Upton, Kiley Washnieski
Occupational Therapy’S Role In Addressing The Mental Health Of Transitioning Postsecondary Students, Katie Koxlien, Amorelle Upton, Kiley Washnieski
Critically Appraised Topics
There is an increasing concern for mental health in university students transitioning to postsecondary education. For the purposes of this study, we were concerned with the overall mental health of university students, not specific to diagnosed mental illnesses. Mental health is “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community” (World Health Organization, 2022, para. 1). This may impact the individual’s ability to function on a daily basis and interact with others within their educational setting. The role of a student …
The Impact Of Mobile Technology Interventions With Older Adults Diagnosed With A Cognitive Deficit, Emily Funk, Adam Nadeau, Savannah Ullyott
The Impact Of Mobile Technology Interventions With Older Adults Diagnosed With A Cognitive Deficit, Emily Funk, Adam Nadeau, Savannah Ullyott
Critically Appraised Topics
This critically appraised topic (CAT) paper focuses on the impact of technology-based interventions in occupational therapy in daily functioning within older adults with cognitive deficits. When considering the components of this CAT, the theoretical framework was described, then a description of the population paired with a description of cognition and its components, followed by the types and use of technology-based interventions with adults, and the impact cognitive conditions and symptoms have on occupational performance.
Rural First-Time Mothers And Their Emotional Engagement With Newborns: Occupational Therapy, Hannah Ibach, Elise Ramberg, Ashley Schindele
Rural First-Time Mothers And Their Emotional Engagement With Newborns: Occupational Therapy, Hannah Ibach, Elise Ramberg, Ashley Schindele
Critically Appraised Topics
This paper focuses on resources affecting occupational therapy (OT) mental health services that are provided to first-time moms within a rural-dwelling population in the U.S. The main factors to consider in this scenario are the population of first-time moms in rural areas, mental health services provided in rural areas, and best OT practices for mental health services. Quality of life is an important factor when considering maternal mental health. Quality of life is defined as a person’s life satisfaction, hope, sense of self, health, function, and socioeconomic status (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2020). The main focus for this critically appraised …
Effectiveness Of Education-Based Programs And Preventative Strategies On Oral Health Outcomes For Older Adults In Rural Communities: A Critically Appraised Topic, Meagan Barnes Pearson, Abby Ellenberger, Becca Valdez
Effectiveness Of Education-Based Programs And Preventative Strategies On Oral Health Outcomes For Older Adults In Rural Communities: A Critically Appraised Topic, Meagan Barnes Pearson, Abby Ellenberger, Becca Valdez
Critically Appraised Topics
Elderly adults in rural populations are facing difficulties with oral health due to accessibility difficulties, lower socioeconomic status, and decreased OHL. Limited research has been conducted on occupational therapy interventions within this specific occupational domain, or with this particular population. This CAT investigates the positive impacts oral health education programs that incorporate preventative strategies have on the oral health outcomes of the aging population living in rural locations when implemented by occupational therapists alongside an interdisciplinary team.
Occupational Therapy’S Role In Transitioning & Community Integration, Payton Baumann, Madison Thomas, Anna Voegel
Occupational Therapy’S Role In Transitioning & Community Integration, Payton Baumann, Madison Thomas, Anna Voegel
Critically Appraised Topics
This critically appraised topic paper will concentrate on the most effective formatting of transition programs necessary to improve a sense of community belonging and overall quality of life (QOL). The main factors to consider in the scenario are accessibility to programs, funding for programs, social stigmas and attitudes, and mental health of individuals who are experiencing a transition. Populations experiencing a transition may include those transitioning from incarceration, experiencing homelessness, educational programs, employment opportunities, hospital care settings, active-duty status, and migration. To develop a sense of community belonging, social participation will be an important aspect to integrate into interventions, which …
Contexts Contributing To Burnout And Potential Coping Strategies To Support Work-Life Balance And Health Management Among Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Nora Duren, Kearyn Nelsen, Jada Welke
Contexts Contributing To Burnout And Potential Coping Strategies To Support Work-Life Balance And Health Management Among Occupational Therapy Practitioners, Nora Duren, Kearyn Nelsen, Jada Welke
Critically Appraised Topics
The focus of this critically appraised topic paper is the aspects of burnout that occupational therapy (OT) practitioners face in a professional capacity, as well as environmental and personal contexts (AOTA, 2020) that have been shown to reduce the intensity of burnout within the profession. According to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), context can be described as the “broad context that encompasses environment and personal factors” (p. 36). “Environmental factors are aspects of the physical, social, and attitudinal surroundings in which people live and conduct their lives” (AOTA, 2020, p. 36). Additionally, the AOTA defines personal factors as the …
The Role Of Occupational Therapists Working With Adults With Substance Use Disorder In Rural Areas, Kyra M. Jessen, Jackie M. Middendorf
The Role Of Occupational Therapists Working With Adults With Substance Use Disorder In Rural Areas, Kyra M. Jessen, Jackie M. Middendorf
Critically Appraised Topics
This critically appraised topic paper focused on the availability of occupation-based interventions for adults (18 years and older) faced with substance use disorders in rural areas. The main factors to consider in this scenario were the population of rural areas, substance use services in rural areas, and the role of occupational therapy. The U.S. Census Bureau did not directly define rural but instead considered rural to be any area that is not urban, while urban areas were considered to have more than 50,000 people and urban clusters were stated to have between 2,500 and 50,000 people (U.S. Department of Agriculture, …
Exploring Occupation-Based Sleep Interventions For School-Aged Children Experiencing Homelessness: A Critically Appraised Topic, Aspen Delano, Joslynn Sauer, Emily Vieth
Exploring Occupation-Based Sleep Interventions For School-Aged Children Experiencing Homelessness: A Critically Appraised Topic, Aspen Delano, Joslynn Sauer, Emily Vieth
Critically Appraised Topics
Sleep is a crucial component of healthy neurological development throughout childhood. According to Suni (2023a), elementary school-aged children between the ages of 6 and 12 experience sleep deprivation when they obtain less than 9 hours of sleep per night. Contie (2022) found that children experiencing insufficient sleep had more mental health and behavioral challenges than those who had sufficient sleep. Additionally, Contie (2022) found that children experiencing sleep deprivation had less gray matter and volume in their brains. This impacts cognitive functioning, specifically decision-making, conflict-solving, working memory, and learning. The brain undergoes critical development of the basal ganglia, ganglia-thalamus-cortex circuit, …
Occupational Therapy’S Role In Natural Disasters, Olivia A. Dobrinz, Elise N. Gapp, Jocelyn R. Kirk
Occupational Therapy’S Role In Natural Disasters, Olivia A. Dobrinz, Elise N. Gapp, Jocelyn R. Kirk
Critically Appraised Topics
This critically appraised topic paper (CAT) focuses on interventions for improving individuals’ quality of life and occupational participation following a natural disaster. Described within this CAT are the impacts on individual’s occupations following a natural disaster, the quality of life for individuals, and occupational therapy’s role in improving an individual’s quality of life and occupational participation.
The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Determining The Effectiveness Of Functional Task Assessments Used To Improve Quality Of Life For Older Adults With Parkinson’S Disease., Kate L. Westphal, Brooklyn L. Wiest, Jordyn M. Wolff
The Role Of Occupational Therapy In Determining The Effectiveness Of Functional Task Assessments Used To Improve Quality Of Life For Older Adults With Parkinson’S Disease., Kate L. Westphal, Brooklyn L. Wiest, Jordyn M. Wolff
Critically Appraised Topics
This critically appraised topic focuses on the role of occupational therapy in ascertaining the effectiveness of specific functional assessments in improving the quality of life of older adults with Parkinson’s disease.
Usefulness Of Kinesiotaping For Children Experiencing High Tone And Spasticity As A Symptom Of Cerebral Palsy, Hailey Koep, Hailey Mcguire, Claire Meyer
Usefulness Of Kinesiotaping For Children Experiencing High Tone And Spasticity As A Symptom Of Cerebral Palsy, Hailey Koep, Hailey Mcguire, Claire Meyer
Critically Appraised Topics
This critically appraised topic focuses on the use of Kinesiotape for improving occupational engagement for children and adolescents experiencing high tone or spasticity related to the diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy treated in the outpatient setting. To develop a better understanding of the different factors in question, Cerebral Palsy and Kinesiotape are first addressed, then the impacts on the quality of life in children with CP, and finally, occupational therapy's role in the use of Kinesiotape and treatment of CP.
The Role Of Occupational Therapy In The Transition Process For Young Adults With Developmental Disabilities, Hannah Tanous, Mckenzie Ulrich, Alexis Walther
The Role Of Occupational Therapy In The Transition Process For Young Adults With Developmental Disabilities, Hannah Tanous, Mckenzie Ulrich, Alexis Walther
Critically Appraised Topics
This critically appraised topic (CAT) focuses on occupational therapy’s role and best practice in assisting families with young adults that have developmental disabilities in making the transition out of the home into the community, secondary education, or supported independent living. The transition experience is unique to each individual, as there are both supports and barriers to the process.
Effectiveness Of The Use Of Kinesiotape For Adults With Elbow Tendinosis In Reducing Pain To Promote Engagement In Occupations, Natasha Minar, Kinley Nordin, Kaitlyn Peterson
Effectiveness Of The Use Of Kinesiotape For Adults With Elbow Tendinosis In Reducing Pain To Promote Engagement In Occupations, Natasha Minar, Kinley Nordin, Kaitlyn Peterson
Critically Appraised Topics
This critically appraised topic paper focuses on the use of kinesiotape for adults experiencing chronic pain associated with elbow tendinosis that greatly influences their ability to engage fully in their meaningful occupations. Adults with elbow tendinosis may experience decreased functional mobility due to pain from their diagnosis (Eraslan et al., 2017; Karlıbel & Aksoy, 2022; Shakeri et al., 2018), thus decreasing their overall quality of life and well-being. In this paper, pain associated with elbow tendinosis, the effectiveness of kinesiotape compared to alternative interventions, and the role of occupational therapy in promoting engagement in meaningful occupations will be discussed. Kinesiotape …
Examining Occupational Therapists’ Role In Providing Client-Centered Care For School-Aged Children In The Educational Setting With Visual Impairment, Nicole Gentry, Skye Gross, Alyssa Hammon, Angela Mossman-Larson
Examining Occupational Therapists’ Role In Providing Client-Centered Care For School-Aged Children In The Educational Setting With Visual Impairment, Nicole Gentry, Skye Gross, Alyssa Hammon, Angela Mossman-Larson
Critically Appraised Topics
In a foundational statement outlining the profession’s belief regarding the needs of the pediatric population with visual impairments, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) stated children with visual impairments “benefit significantly from coordinated and comprehensive services to enable them to learn to use their remaining vision more efficiently and use nonvisual methods to complete activities” (Warren & Nobles, 2011, p. 2). According to Warren and Nobles (2011), individuals can have two types of visual impairments: cortical visual impairment and ocular visual impairment. Cortical visual impairment (CVI) deals with affected areas of the brain that limits visual processing, whereas ocular visual …
Telehealth Benefits In Rural Areas: Occupational Therapy, Grant E. Tolkkinen, Grace K. Torgerson, Kaitlyn J. Wanner
Telehealth Benefits In Rural Areas: Occupational Therapy, Grant E. Tolkkinen, Grace K. Torgerson, Kaitlyn J. Wanner
Critically Appraised Topics
This paper focuses on the efficacy of occupational-based interventions administered via telehealth within a rural-dwelling adult (18 years and older) population with mental health conditions. The main factors to consider in this scenario are the mental health services in rural areas, the features of the rural population, and the role of occupational therapy (OT) and telehealth in rural mental health. The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework defined health management as “activities related to developing, managing, and maintaining health and wellness routines, including self-management, with the goal of improving or maintaining health to support participation and other occupation” (AOTA, 2020, p.32).
Occupational Therapy’S Role In Addressing The Intersectionality Of Veterans Who Are Chronically Homeless, Mental Health, And Sleep Deprivation, Maci Bakken, Abby Eken, Morgan Halliday
Occupational Therapy’S Role In Addressing The Intersectionality Of Veterans Who Are Chronically Homeless, Mental Health, And Sleep Deprivation, Maci Bakken, Abby Eken, Morgan Halliday
Critically Appraised Topics
Currently, there are interventions available for rest and sleep for the general population. However, those interventions do not usually address the unique needs of the population of veterans who are homeless with mental health disorders. While there is information on the person, environmental, and occupational factors surrounding this topic separately, there is limited literature regarding how to address all of these factors when they transact with each other. The purpose of this critically appraised topic paper is to examine the impacts that being a veteran, having a mental health disorder, and being homeless have on sleep deprivation as well as …
Cat Part Iv: Occupational Therapy Interventions To Support Upper Extremity Spasticity In Older Adults Following A Stroke, Mary Redlin, Allie Reiffenberger, Shannon Ring, Aubrey Rude
Cat Part Iv: Occupational Therapy Interventions To Support Upper Extremity Spasticity In Older Adults Following A Stroke, Mary Redlin, Allie Reiffenberger, Shannon Ring, Aubrey Rude
Critically Appraised Topics
This critically appraised topic focuses on interventions for improving hand functions in activities of daily living (ADLs) for elderly adults who have chronic upper extremity spasticity following a stroke. For the purpose of this critically appraised topic, the focus will be on the elderly population, defined as being age 55 and older; research indicates stroke is most prevalent in this population (Mayo Clinic, 2022). When considering a particular theory, the Ecology of Human Performance (EHP) is the most suitable model for our focus question (Dunn, 2017). The Ecology of Human Performance is focused on the person and environment to increase …
The Impact Of Sensory Deprivation And Sensory-Based Intervention For Incarcerated Adults Over The Age Of 65, Kyara G. Crowley, Connor N. Fuchs, Sydney L. Johnson
The Impact Of Sensory Deprivation And Sensory-Based Intervention For Incarcerated Adults Over The Age Of 65, Kyara G. Crowley, Connor N. Fuchs, Sydney L. Johnson
Critically Appraised Topics
This critically appraised topic (CAT) focuses on sensory-based interventions for improving the quality of life for older adults who are incarcerated in the United States. There are many aspects to this topic; sensory deprivation in the prison system is addressed first, followed by the importance of sensory-based interventions, and finally the relationship between occupational therapy and quality of life.
Effects Of Occupation Based Interventions Related To Play And Leisure For Minimization Of Post-Concussion Or Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms In Adolescents: A Critically Appraised Topic, Anneka Harris, Melody Mackenzie, Emmy Miller
Effects Of Occupation Based Interventions Related To Play And Leisure For Minimization Of Post-Concussion Or Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms In Adolescents: A Critically Appraised Topic, Anneka Harris, Melody Mackenzie, Emmy Miller
Critically Appraised Topics
Occupational therapy has a vital impact on healthcare providing a holistic approach to care with the goal of improving quality of life, increasing participation in meaningful occupations, and speeding up the recovery process for a variety of health conditions. In concussion management, occupational therapy professionals play a critical role on the multidisciplinary team, understanding the important interaction between the athlete, occupation, and the environment (Andreas et al., 2021). Even though the target population for this critically appraised topic (CAT) is adolescents, athletes (those who experienced a sports-related concussion) comprise most of the studies due to the prevalence of sports-related concussions. …
Effectiveness Of Occupational Therapy’S Role In Promotion Of Role Fulfillment With Aviation Students In Higher Education Who Are Experiencing Mental Health Conditions, Payton O. Schilke, Olivia G. Schoffstall, Lexi K. Smith, Gracie J. Stimac
Effectiveness Of Occupational Therapy’S Role In Promotion Of Role Fulfillment With Aviation Students In Higher Education Who Are Experiencing Mental Health Conditions, Payton O. Schilke, Olivia G. Schoffstall, Lexi K. Smith, Gracie J. Stimac
Critically Appraised Topics
This critically appraised topic paper focuses on occupational therapy’s role and the interventions for improving the mental health of aviation students in higher education. Aviation students are higher education student pilots learning to become pilots within various roles. Stress and fatigue among students in higher education are prominent problems (Beiter, 2015; Kalmakis et al., 2021). The focus on aviation students for this critically appraised topic paper reveals the unique stressors relating to flight training that is added on top of the normal academic stress load that university students face (Robertson & Ruiz, 2010). Due to these stress factors, the mental …
The Role Of Occupational Therapists Working With Adolescents With Mental Health Conditions In The Juvenile Justice System, Angelina M. Caron, Madalyn M. England, Mattea J. Johnson
The Role Of Occupational Therapists Working With Adolescents With Mental Health Conditions In The Juvenile Justice System, Angelina M. Caron, Madalyn M. England, Mattea J. Johnson
Critically Appraised Topics
This critically appraised topic paper focuses on interventions for improving adolescents' mental health status to promote engagement in occupations in the JJS. With many factors to consider, adolescent demographics and previous contexts were described first, then the impact that mental health programs in the JJS have on adolescents' mental health was reviewed. Finally, occupational therapy’s role in improving occupational engagement through addressing mental health was investigated.
Effectiveness Of Executive Functioning Interventions Among Homeless Elementary Aged Students, Julia Warmack, Abby Jessen, Taylor Koopmeiners
Effectiveness Of Executive Functioning Interventions Among Homeless Elementary Aged Students, Julia Warmack, Abby Jessen, Taylor Koopmeiners
Critically Appraised Topics
Elementary-aged children who are homeless face challenges in the areas of self-regulation, working memory, attention, and time management (Wanger-Fuhs et al., 2014). Currently, there is a lack of research on homeless elementary-aged children and the influence occupational therapy can have on their academic success. Specifically, there is no comprehensive source that details the effects of the role of occupational therapy interventions on executive functioning skills such as self-regulation, working memory, attention, and time management for the population of homeless elementary-aged school children. The purpose of this CAT paper was to determine the effect of occupational therapy interventions that focus on …
Effectiveness And Availability Of Occupational Therapy Interventions For Improving Quality Of Life For Families Dealing With Virtual Learning During The Covid-19 Pandemic And Substance Use Issues, Madison Christian, Alexis Lehmann, Hannah Steckler
Effectiveness And Availability Of Occupational Therapy Interventions For Improving Quality Of Life For Families Dealing With Virtual Learning During The Covid-19 Pandemic And Substance Use Issues, Madison Christian, Alexis Lehmann, Hannah Steckler
Critically Appraised Topics
Currently, there is an overall lack of evidence examining the effects of occupational therapy interventions to enhance families’ quality of life while dealing with virtual learning in school-aged children and the impacts of substance use on parents. The purpose of this critically appraised topic is to determine the availability for immediate use and the quality of occupational therapy interventions for improving the quality of life for families with school-age children dealing with school issues and virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically with parents who are also experiencing substance use issues
The Link Between Occupational Therapy Interventions, Quality Of Life, And Social And Leisure Participation In Adults With Chronic Conditions, Katie Deboer, Callie Kleindl, Monicah Nyakoe
The Link Between Occupational Therapy Interventions, Quality Of Life, And Social And Leisure Participation In Adults With Chronic Conditions, Katie Deboer, Callie Kleindl, Monicah Nyakoe
Critically Appraised Topics
The focus population for this critically appraised topic (CAT) was adults aged 18 years and older with chronic conditions. For this CAT, chronic conditions included depression, heart diseases, diabetes, arthritis, respiratory diseases, chronic kidney disease, neurological disorders, and cancers. Chronic conditions greatly impact a large majority of the older adult population. Of the adult population, about 80% had at least one type of chronic condition while close to 70% had two or more (National Council on Aging, 2021). Diving deeper, the prevalence of chronic conditions in adults 65 years and older varied by race/ethnicity. According to Lim et al. (2018), …
Identifying The Role Of Occupational Therapy In The Pediatric Palliative Care Team For Pediatric Cancer Patients, Rudessa Bedonie, Hannah Gianan, Riley Thomas, Kennedy Tooke
Identifying The Role Of Occupational Therapy In The Pediatric Palliative Care Team For Pediatric Cancer Patients, Rudessa Bedonie, Hannah Gianan, Riley Thomas, Kennedy Tooke
Critically Appraised Topics
What is the role of occupational therapy in providing effective intervention during palliative care for pediatric cancer patients and their families during the transition to the end of life?