Embedding the rehabilitation treatment specification system (RTSS) into clinical practice: an evaluation of a pilot teaching programme.

BACKGROUND: Deficiency in the provision and quality of treatment specification by rehabilitation clinicians impairs the ability to differentiate effective from ineffective elements of treatment. The standardised language of the rehabilitation treatment specification system (RTSS) has been proposed as a countermeasure. To date, there is no evidence of its use in clinical practice and what effect it may have. This study …

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Embedding Rehabilitation as Core Cancer Care in Australia and New Zealand: A Health System Imperative.

Cancer remains a global health challenge, with rising survivorship rates highlighting the need for integrated interdisciplinary rehabilitation care. Survivors frequently experience persistent physical, functional, psychological, cognitive and behavioural challenges, including fatigue, deconditioning, neuropathy, pain and psychological distress, with up to two-thirds reporting significant unmet needs and reduced quality of life. Interdisciplinary rehabilitation, encompassing exercise, education, nutrition, task-specific functional retraining, psychosocial …

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Head and neck cancer rehabilitation: the CaRe feasibility study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a multi-modal exercise and education rehabilitation programme for patients post head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment. METHODS: This single-arm prospective feasibility study included patients in the first 2 years following treatment for HNC. Participants completed a 10-week multi-modal exercise and education programme including twice weekly online …

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Effectiveness of Emerging Technologies in Physiotherapy for Women with Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review.

: Breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed malignancy among women worldwide. As survival rates continue to improve, rehabilitation interventions focusing on functional recovery and quality of life have become increasingly important. Emerging technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and telerehabilitation have recently been integrated into physiotherapy programs. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of technology-assisted physiotherapy …

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Understanding Equity in Cancer Prehabilitation Services in Wales: A Medical Record Review.

BACKGROUND: Cancer prehabilitation prepares people for cancer treatment by promoting physical activity, eating well and emotional wellbeing. Evidence shows that prehabilitation before and during cancer treatment reduces treatment complications and improves outcomes, including survival. However, the availability of and patient engagement with prehabilitation is variable. People from lower socioeconomic and minority ethnic backgrounds are at greater risk of poor health …

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Development of a core screening, assessment and outcome set for cancer prehabilitation: an international Delphi consensus study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: A core screening, assessment and outcome set is needed in cancer prehabilitation to standardise what is measured in both research and services. Currently, there is significant variation in measures used, which limits comparability between studies and evidence synthesis. Standardising measures will improve the quality, comparability and impact of research by reducing heterogeneity between studies, minimising reporting bias, improving trial …

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Physical Therapists in Oncology Settings: Experiences in Delivering Cancer Rehabilitation Services, Barriers to Care, and Service Development Needs.

OBJECTIVE: Physical therapist-delivered rehabilitation aims to manage the side effects of cancer and its treatments. Although access to cancer rehabilitation is not yet a standard of care in many countries, physical therapists practice in many types of cancer services with different cancer populations. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of physical therapists in cancer care practice …

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Digital exercise interventions to improve physical functioning of people with breast cancer: Protocol for a scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer incidence rates are rising due to early detection, improved screening methods and advances in treatment options. As mortality rates reduce, there is a growing population living longer with treatment side-effects who require assistance. Prevalent issues arising after breast cancer treatment include pain, fatigue, lymphoedema and arm and shoulder mobility issues. Evidence demonstrates that upper limb exercises help …

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