The OT has a clinical understanding of the disease process and its treatment, and assesses and analyses functional difficulties. It is recommended that specialist palliative care services have a state registered OT on the team. Multiprofessional teamwork helps patients and carers in the alleviation of symptoms and improves quality of life. Occupational therapy addresses physical, functional, psychological and social components of patients' problems. OTs aim to help the patient take back some control of their life without distracting from important issues with which they might be dealing.
Occupational therapy is of critical value in enhancing a person's quality of life.
It is becoming more common for seriously ill patients to travel abroad to visit relatives or to die, and for health professionals to be involved in helping them. Travel arrangements for very sick patients can be complicated, and often have to be made at short notice, which can be very stressful for everyone concerned. However, with careful planning, it is possible for many such patients to travel comfortably and safely. Terminally ill patients must be examined by their doctor prior to travelling, to ensure that it is safe to travel. Travel for ill patients can be very expensive, and patients must ensure that they are able to cover the required costs.