Publications by authors named "Colleen Dunphy"
Purpose: Survivors of head and neck cancer may have significant lasting impairments and poor access to rehabilitation. To address this, our group developed and evaluated a rehabilitation planning consult (RPC). The RPC is conducted through an initial consultation and a single follow-up session with a rehabilitation professional.
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- A study was done to see how a special recovery plan (ERAS) and a certain type of pain relief (TAP-blocks) affect pain medicine use after surgery for fixing hernias.
- They looked at two groups of patients: one that used TAP-blocks and one that didn't, and found that those with TAP-blocks used a lot less pain medicine.
- Overall, using the TAP-blocks not only helped reduce pain medicine use by about 65%, but also allowed patients to leave the hospital a day earlier! *
Background: The rehabilitation planning consult (RPC) is a novel, transdisciplinary rehabilitation intervention for survivors of head and neck cancer. The study aimed to: (1) estimate recruitment and withdrawal rates, and adverse events; and (2) estimate the effect on rehabilitation indicators in survivors of head and neck cancer.
Methods: A single group pre-post study with follow-up was conducted with survivors of head and neck cancer who had completed treatment within 18 months.
Cancers of the head and neck and the treatments required to control them frequently result in serious and persistent impairments that can affect participation and quality of life. Increased recognition of the needs of cancer survivors and their caregivers has prompted research focused on the unique concerns of this complex group. Unmet needs have been identified among 60-70% of patients and a similar proportion of their partners; impacts can include profound social effects, isolation, and psychiatric conditions.
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- The study aimed to find out what people affected by head and neck cancer need for rehabilitation, by talking to survivors, their families, and healthcare workers.
- Researchers held focus groups with 40 people, including cancer survivors, family members, and health professionals, and found that wanting to get back to regular life and having good rehab resources are key for recovery.
- The study identified important rehab needs, things that help or make recovery harder, and gave ideas on how to improve rehab support for head and neck cancer survivors.