Background:
A head and neck (H&N) cancer surgery-specific physiotherapy pathway has been introduced at St James’s Hospital (SJH), the largest H&N cancer tertiary referral centre in Ireland, to manage side-effects of therapy with the aim of improving the overall health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of H&N patients.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis over six months (July – December 2023) was conducted. Data from a prospectively-maintained service database was analysed to assess recruitment rates, appointment attendance, and referral patterns. Following established cancer rehabilitation pathway models, patients are evaluated preoperatively, postoperatively using the ERAS protocol, and throughout the acute treatment phase to survivorship.
Results:
In total, 63 patients were assessed by the physiotherapy prehabilitation service. Thirty opted for home-based programs, 6 attended face-to-face classes, 10 participated in online sessions. Additionally, 77 new referrals were made to the specialist physiotherapy rehabilitation service, resulting in 174 return contacts and 252 outpatient rehabilitation interactions. A detailed overview of the patient pathway and service is provided.
Conclusion:
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in optimising outcomes in H&N cancer patients, targeting global weakness, lymphoedema, neck disability, and HRQOL impairments. lmplementation of a specialised physiotherapy service results in high patient engagement and underscores the importance of tailored rehabilitation pathways.
Kelly Coghlan Lynch1, Conall Fitzgerald2, John Edward O’Connell3, Conor Bowe3
1 Physiotherapy Department, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin
2 Department of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery, St James’s Hospital, Dublin
3 Department of Maxillofacial/Head & Neck Surgery, St James’s Hospital, Dublin