Palliative Care and Physiatry in the Oncology Care Spectrum: An Opportunity for Distinct and Collaborative Approaches

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2017 Feb;28(1):35-47. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2016.08.006.

Abstract

As cancer evolves from a terminal illness to a chronic medical condition, so too does the view of clinical services. Palliative care and physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) will increase in acceptance because they provide a valuable resource. The overarching theme is improving cancer-related symptoms or treatment-related side effects, improving patient health-related quality of life, lessening caregiver burden, and valuing patient-centered care and shared decision making. Managing symptom burden may improve therapy participation/performance. PM&R and palliative care departments are well-equipped to develop patient-centered care protocols, and could play an important role in developing a universal measure of performance status.

Keywords: Cancer rehabilitation; Function; Palliative care; Quality of life; Supportive oncology; Survivorship; Symptom management.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Caregivers / psychology
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Palliative Care / methods*
  • Patient-Centered Care*
  • Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine / methods*
  • Quality of Life