Head and Neck Cancer Rehabilitation - Online Self-Study

Course overview

PORis Head and Neck Cancer (HNCA) Rehabilitation course instructs Speech Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and Physical Therapists in developing clinical management skills and treatment techniques needed to effectively deliver well structured, comprehensive oncology rehabilitation services to patients diagnosed with HNCA. A framework of the medical management of patients with HNCA is presented using National Comprehensive Cancer network (NCCNTM) guidelines and Commission on Cancer (CoC) guidelines, as well as case study examples, so that clinicians can integrate pathways of evaluation and treatment necessary to address the multitude of impairments presented in this medically complex group of patients. The clinical management skills and techniques instructed in PORi are based on integrated treatment models designed to include a cross section of management from all three disciplines - Speech Language Pathology, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy. These techniques are placed in the context of understanding the physiological and anatomical effects of cancer treatments including specific surgical interventions, chemotherapy regimens, radiation therapy, and adjuvant medications. Careful study is made of the impact of cancer treatment on myofascial, skeletal, lymphatic, vascular, neural (central, cranial, peripheral), and aerodigestive systems, and the treatment protocols instructed by PORi relate to the optimal resolution of impairments within these body systems. All of the clinical skill sets and techniques instructed within the PORi Oncology Rehabilitation Curriculum are derived from evidence-based clinical applications within the scope of Speech Language Pathology, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy practice. One of the more defining elements of PORi is the necessary physiological and anatomical knowledge unique to the oncology patient population, which is required by qualified practitioners to accurately and safely implement oncology-specific treatment plans and realistic goal-based outcomes for this patient population.