Association of Rehabilitation Nurses and Oncology Nursing Society Position on Rehabilitation of People With Cancer

More than 1,284,000 Americans were diagnosed with invasive cancer in 2002 (American Cancer Society, 2002). The number of cancer survivors increases each year because of advances in early detection and innovative treatments. Cancer is a chronic disease with concurrent physical, functional, psychological, and spiritual sequelae. These sequelae are best addressed through a comprehensive oncology rehabilitation program. The focus of the program must be collaborative and interdisciplinary, whether based in acute, subacute, or home care.

It Is the Position of ARN and ONS That

• Oncology rehabilitation care is part of quality cancer care, which is a right for all citizens.
• Oncology rehabilitation is an option for all patients at any stage of cancer.
• Oncology rehabilitation incorporates the individual with cancer and the family as fully informed partners and decision makers.
• Oncology rehabilitation includes timely access to and reimbursement for a coordinated, comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach.
• Oncology rehabilitation is coordinated and delivered by competent rehabilitative cancer care providers.
• Accountability and coordination of quality oncology rehabilitation care is best accomplished by registered nurses who have been educated and certified in oncology or rehabilitation specialities.

Background

ARN and ONS believe the oncology rehabilitation registered nurse's role in the interdisciplinary team is pivotal in creating an environment conducive to quality patient care. "The goal of rehabilitation nursing is to assist the individual with disability and chronic illness in the restoration and maintenance of maximal health" (ARN, 1998, p. 5). It is imperative that ongoing research and education in rehabilitation be funded to find ways to improve care. With ongoing collaboration and interdisciplinary efforts, cancer rehabilitation will maximize both the quantity and quality of each individual's life for the present and in the future.

ONS Board of Directors approved October 1999; revised March 2003.

ARN Board of Directors approved October 1999; revised March 2003.

References

American Cancer Society. (2002). Cancer facts and figures 2002. Atlanta, GA: Author.

Association of Rehabilitation Nurses. (1998). Certified rehabilitation registered nurse: Certification information handbook. Glenview, IL: Author.