Study’s full title: Exploring the role and contribution of occupational therapy with pelvic exenteration: A clinician’s perspective

University affiliation: The University of Queensland

Ethics approval/reference number: 2026/HE011612

Principal researcher: Nathalie Collins

Authors:

• Nathalie Collins
• Professor Pip Logan
• Dr Chloe Bryant
• Dr Andrew Claus
• Dr Paul Gray
• Dr Craig Harris

Purpose of study: Pelvic exenteration (PE) surgery is a complex procedure often described as “radical,” involving the complete or partial removal of pelvic structures such as the bowel, bladder, and reproductive organs, with the aim of removing cancerous tissue and improving overall quality of life (QoL) (Harji et al., 2016; Steffens et al., 2018). Despite these potential benefits, individuals frequently experience significant post-operative complications that can compromise functional recovery and impact the ability to return to activities of daily living (ADL) (PelvEx Collaborative, 2022; Steffens et al., 2018). Occupational therapists (OTs) have recognised potential to work with individuals with cancer, including in areas such as fatigue management and energy conservation, cognition, functional impairment and falls management (Pergolotti et al., 2016). A recent systematic review examining occupational therapy (OT) intervention for cancer patients following hospital discharge highlighted that, whilst OT is well suited to support this population, there is limited high-quality evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of interventions and they identified a need for further research in this area (Taylor et al., 2021). As part of this PhD, a scoping review was undertaken to explore the role of allied health interventions in treating people who were undergoing or had undergone PE to return to and maintain their ADLs. The review identified very limited allied health literature, with the OT role briefly described as being part of the preoperative assessment and optimisation for patients with complex medical histories for frailty, as well as contributions to acute and chronic pain management (Carvalho et al., 2023; Louis et al., 2026). Despite this, it is well understood that OTs are involved in the broader provision of care, however a lack of evidence in this space exists and therefore emphasises the need to better understand OTs’ contributions to the care of individuals following PE.

This study will focus on gathering qualitative information through semi-structured interviews with OTs who have experience working with adults who have had PE. An interpretative description approach will be used with inductive thematic analysis to generate key findings that will be utilised within the broader PhD study to help refine and define the scope of OT with PE care.

Participation criteria: Participants will be eligible to participate if they are:

• Over the age of 18.
• Be a registered OT or have held OT registration and be able to answer basic screening questions related to their registration.
• Able to provide informed consent.
• Able to read and speak in English at a conversational level.
• Have worked directly with patients who have undergone PE surgery across the continuum of care over any period.

Survey Audience: Occupational therapists who have worked with people who have undergone pelvic exenteration – all care settings.

Survey link: https://uniofqueensland.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8kY2zGB3MYHHvsa

End date for survey: September 2027

Contact details: Nathalie Collins | Nathalie.collins@student.uq.edu.au | 0423 032 552