Document Type
Abstract
Publication Date
2-2021
Academic Year
2020-2021
Abstract
Introduction: Regaining strength through rehabilitation as a mechanism to return cancer patients to therapy is poorly understood and therefore realistic advice cannot be given to patients when cancer-directed therapy must be stopped. This research examines what cancer patients are able to accomplish following referral to subacute rehabilitation (SAR). It was hypothesized that the majority of patients would not return to cancer-directed therapy following SAR and that a high functional status at discharge would be the best predictor of this return.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was completed for 112 metastatic solid tumor patients discharged to SAR (2018-2020). The primary outcome was patient return to anti-cancer therapy and a physical therapist assigned functional status score (AMPAC) was the main proposed predictor. The association between the AMPAC score and return to cancer-directed therapy was evaluated using logistic regression.
Results: Only 31 of the 112 patients (28%) returned to cancer-directed therapy within 60 days of discharge to SAR. Functional status score was positively associated with return to cancer-directed therapy. The average survival for patients was 36 days from original discharge and 40% of patients were readmitted to the hospital within 30 days.
Conclusion: The majority of patients who were discharged to SAR were unable to return to cancer-directed therapy. While SAR may have other benefits, it is important to be realistic with cancer patients when cancer-directed therapy must be stopped. Functional status before discharge to SAR is a useful tool for guiding patients about their likelihood of return to therapy.
Recommended Citation
Svetec, Sarah; Hanson, CRNP, Molly; and Worster, MD, Brooke, "Retrospective Chart Review of Metastatic Solid Tumor Discharges to Subacute Rehab" (2021). Phase 1. Paper 3.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/si_phr_2023_phase1/3
Language
English
Comments
Due to data collection obstacles, this abstract was completed as a practice based on hypothesized results. I fully plan to finish this research project with the Neu Center research team but the timeline of data collection has unfortunately not matched up with SI deadlines.