The Cancer Rehab Community Conference-2024

Learning Objectives for Occupational Therapists

Overall Conference Learning Outcomes:


  1. Participants will apply essential safety principles in cancer rehabilitation, ensuring effective therapeutic interventions for oncology patients.

  2. Participants will identify practical strategies and techniques to improve the functional mobility of oncology patients, addressing specific impairments caused by cancer and its treatments.

  3. Participants will identify the latest evidence-based practices in oncologic physical therapy, enabling them to integrate these practices into their clinical routines for enhanced patient outcomes.


Session-Based Learning Outcomes:


Rub Their Feet! Why Manual Therapy is So Important for the Treatment of CIPN

  1. Analyze how chemotherapy affects the nerves and muscles resulting in CIPN.

  2. Select techniques to best help patients be compliant with the home exercise program for self-massage. 


Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Toxicities Related to Cancer Treatments

  1. Recall cardiovascular and pulmonary anatomy and physiology.

  2. Identify common cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions associated with cancer treatments.

  3. Classify cardiovascular and/or pulmonary examination techniques based on the patient's cancer history and subjective report.


F.I.T. TVP

  1. Identify current evidence-based content regarding exercise in persons diagnosed with cancer. 

  2. Choose an exercise prescription for a person diagnosed with cancer regardless of impairment(s).


Safety Considerations in Cancer Rehabilitation

  1. Recall the safety concerns encountered in cancer patients undergoing rehabilitation

  2. Identify evidence-based strategies to mitigate risk for patients undergoing rehabilitation


Finding Success in Oncology Rehab: Team and Program Development

  1. Define the goals when developing an oncology rehab program

  2. Differentiate the various types of oncology rehab programs

  3. Recall the strategies to develop good working relationships and collaboration within rehab team members and oncologists.


Lymphedema: A Connecting Link in Head and Neck Cancer Rehabilitation

  1. Identify key anatomical structures related to head and neck cancer.

  2. Identify the assessment and treatment of impairments as related to head and neck cancer treatment.

  3. Recall the management of lymphedema as a connecting link in head and neck cancer rehabilitation.


Considerations for Rehabilitation in the Palliative Care Domain: Optimizing Quality of Life

  1. Differentiate the appropriateness of hospice versus palliative care referral in the context of optimizing rehabilitation services to enhance quality of life

  2. Identify characteristics of rehabilitation in the palliative care domain across care settings to promote quality of life in the context of chronic illness

  3. Recall the importance of the interdisciplinary approach in palliative care to optimize service line utilization


Clinical Application of Trauma-Informed Care

  1. Identify behavioral, emotional, and physical indicators of trauma in patients undergoing cancer rehabilitation.

  2. List strategies for effective communication with trauma survivors, obtain informed consent for physical contact, and utilize trauma-sensitive language and body language to create a safe and supportive environment for healing.

  3. Recall how to modify assessment procedures and rehabilitation exercises to accommodate the unique needs and challenges of individuals with a history of trauma, promoting positive therapeutic outcomes.


Paradigm Shift in Acute Care Oncology: Rehabilitation Intervention Beyond Return to Baseline

  1. Recall unique challenges regarding appropriate discharge recommendations for oncology patients.

  2. Identify areas of improvement needed in acute care oncology rehabilitation.

  3. Choose interventions in clinical practice that adequately prepare patients for discharge and further oncology treatment.  


Demystifying Breast, Chest Wall, & Axillary Pain After Breast Cancer Treatment

  1. Define the incidence and natural history of pain after breast cancer surgery  

  2. Differentiate the characteristics of Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome (PMPS)

  3. Identify examination findings for a patient presenting to rehab for PMPS