Description of the Network: The General Medicine & Oncology Treatment Network is a specialty group within ATRA, established to promote and preserve the grassroots philosophy of professional involvement. The network's mission is to provide increased opportunities for recreation therapists to work with clients in medical, surgical, and oncology arenas, while further developing and defining the role of recreation therapy within these settings. A principal objective for the network is to facilitate exchanges of information and resources which will enable practitioners to initiate or improve service delivery. Enhanced opportunities for patients and families to improve functional abilities and enhance quality of life is another primary goal of recreation therapists within this network.

Medical conditions may include, but are not limited to, the following primary or secondary diagnoses:

Cancer
Traumatic Injury
Orthopedic Injury/Disease
Cerebral Palsy
Spina Bifida
Chronic Renal Failure
Stroke
Chronic Pulmonary Disease
Neuromuscular Disorders
Multiple Sclerosis
Parkinsons Disease
Organ Transplant
HIV/AIDS
Gastric Bypass
Burn Injury
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Cardiac Disease
Spinal Cord Injury
Diabetes
Epilepsy
Visual and Communication Disorders
Vascular and Hematological Disorders
Chronic Pain
Atypical OB/GYN Presentations
Psoriasis
Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery

Settings:

Hospitals
Outpatient Clinics
Extended Care, Skilled Nursing Facilities, and Hospice Facilities
Nursing Homes
Correctional Institutions
Private Practice
Rehabilitation Units
State Residential Facilities
Community Settings such as Parks/Recreation Departments,
Group Homes
Day Treatment Settings
Community-based Clinics

Functional Areas Addressed:

Quality of Life
Total lifestyle functioning
Self-esteem and Confidence
Reality Awareness
Anxiety and Stress Management
Grief and Bereavement
Family Involvement & Interaction
Leisure Awareness
Accommodations/Adaptations for Leisure Activity
Leisure Interests/Abilities
Physical Functioning/Mobility
Fatigue
Spirituality
Social Limitations/Isolation
Communication Skills
Pain Reduction/Management
End-of-Life

Interventions:

Stress Management
Relaxation Training
Assertiveness Training
Expressive Arts
Adventure Therapy
Healthy Cooking
Art/Sculpture
Magic
Bibliotherapy
Equestrian
Martial Arts (T'ai Chi Ch'uan)
Aquatic Therapy
Life Review/Reminiscence
Humor Programming
Drama/Role-Playing
Goal Setting/Time Management
Horticulture
Grief/Bereavement
Animal Assisted Therapy
Walking Programs
Cognitive Re-training
Anger Management
Exercise/Yoga
Reiki
Leisure Education
Leisure Counseling
Community Reintegration
Reality Orientation