Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Referrals in Cancer Patients

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) can address functional limitations in various conditions, including cancer. Cancer rehabilitation aims to address functional impairments resulting from both the disease itself and its treatments, striving to optimize physical, social, psychological, and vocational functioning. Existing literature indicates that PM&R services significantly benefit cancer patients by improving their overall quality of life. Studies have found that optimal utilization of PM&R services can increase the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) in cancer patients. Current National Comprehensive Cancer Network and American Cancer Society guidelines emphasize the importance of incorporating PM&R services into oncology care to enhance the function and quality of life of cancer survivors. A literature review revealed that more than 60% of cancer patients experience functional morbidity, but only 2.9% are referred to PM&R services. This underutilization of PM&R services is found in other surveys and presents as a multifactorial problem that needs to be addressed to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Factors that contribute to underutilization of these services include lack of patient or physician awareness of the benefits of PM&R, limited resources, patient adherence, patient prognosis, and socioeconomic status. A survey was created to further understand referral patterns to PM&R services among oncologists. The results from the questionnaire will help identify effective interventions needed within the community to better address the issue.