The Future of Cancer Rehabilitation

Abstract

In this article, the subject of the future for the field of cancer rehabilitation is embarked upon. Future practice innovation models must involve the appropriate and comprehensive evaluation of cancer patients' rehabilitation needs using better functional measurement tools, as well as the forging of new partnerships through the presence and initiation of physiatric coordinated rehabilitation teams, particularly during the acute phases of treatment. Partnering rehabilitation teams closely with oncology colleagues during surveillance years, through the development of outpatient survivorship clinics for diagnosis and treatment of many of cancer patients' ongoing symptoms and functional limitations, will allow for more comprehensive and coordinated follow-up cancer care. Integration of rehabilitation into palliative care and continued efforts to increase oncology's awareness and acceptance of rehabilitation benefits and expertise are needed. Future education models for medical school, residency, and postresidency training are discussed, as are future research goals to help in placing cancer rehabilitation at the forefront of acute cancer care and survivorship care.

Participating in Life Again

“…Setting goals and collaboration with cancer survivors are emphasized in the literature as important tools for building the rehabilitation process to suit the individual's needs and involving them in their own rehabilitation process. 17,20,23,26 Furthermore, research shows that this collaboration may facilitate subjective well-being, lead to a higher level of performance, and facilitate participation in normal life. 25,26 The definition of rehabilitation 26 stresses the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to assist the individual's own efforts in the rehabilitation process.…”

“…20,21 Based on this, research recommends complex rehabilitation interventions focusing on patient involvement, setting of specific goals, and promotion of empowerment. 17,20,22 Rehabilitation and Participation Numerous definitions of rehabilitation exist, and common features include active, dynamic, educating, enabling, and restoring processes concerned with physical, social, and psychological aspects to promote optimal function and autonomy. 20 This point is clearly explained in the Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services' official definition of rehabilitation: ''Rehabilitation is a time-limited and planned process with clear objectives and means, in which several actors cooperate to provide necessary assistance to the user's own efforts to achieve the best possible coping and functional ability, independence, and social and community participation.''…”

Langzeitfolgen einer Krebserkrankung

“…Die vielfältigen Folgen der Krebserkrankung und -behandlung wie unter anderem Schmerzen, Fatigue, verminderte körperliche Leistungsfähigkeit sowie Ängste und depressive Verstimmungen verdeutlichen den Bedarf an rehabilitativen Maßnahmen [30]. Grundsätzlich zielt eine Rehabilitationsmaßnahme darauf, Menschen mit chronischen Erkrankungen und Behinderungen die soziale Integration und gesellschaftliche Teilhabe zu sichern.…”

Dysphagia Evaluation and Treatment After Head and Neck Surgery and/or Chemo-radiotherapy for Head and Neck Malignancies

“…Treatment mainly relies on swallowing rehabilitation, an emerging subspecialty of rehabilitation (Gamble et al 2011). Swallowing rehabilitation can be divided into three main areas: preventative, compensatory and therapeutic exercises.…”