Rehabilitation for Symptom Management for Patients with Cancer at the End of Life: Current Evidence and Barriers to Care

• Published in: Current physical medicine and rehabilitation reports 2021-12, Vol.9 (4), p.215-223
• Main Authors: Brooks, Forrest A., Keeney, Tamra, Ritchie, Christine, Tolchin, Dorothy W.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anxiety; Cancer Rehabilitation (S Smith; Cancer therapies; Caregivers; Dyspnea; Fitness training programs; Intervention; Medical prognosis; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Metastasis; Music therapy; Oncology; Pain; Palliative care; Patients; Physical therapists; Physical therapy; Quality of life; Rehabilitation; Rehabilitation Medicine; Section Editor; Symptom management; Topical Collection on Cancer Rehabilitation
• ISSN: 2167-4833; 2167-4833
• DOI: 10.1007/s40141-021-00325-4

Purpose of Review The goal of this review is to highlight recent literature that addresses the role of rehabilitation for managing symptoms for patients with cancer near the end of life. Recent Findings Current literature supports the integration of rehabilitation interventions as part of comprehensive symptom management in patients with advanced cancer near end of life. Research is needed to clarify the impact and timing of specific rehabilitation techniques. There is also a need for robust education for both palliative and rehabilitation clinicians about the role for rehabilitation. Summary In this article, we review evidence for the use of rehabilitation interventions to address symptoms commonly experienced by patients with advanced cancer — dyspnea, pain, depression, anxiety, and fatigue. We also touch on communication strategies important for assessing and addressing the complex needs of the patient and caregiver. Finally, we describe barriers to the use of palliative rehabilitation and explore strategies for improving implementation across care settings .