Provision of physiotherapy rehabilitation following neck dissection in the UK
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
Authors
Colleges, School and Institutes
External organisations
- Department of Otolaryngology,Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust,University of Oxford.
- 2 Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford, UK.
- Newcastle University
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Neck dissection is associated with post-operative shoulder dysfunction in a substantial number of patients, affecting quality of life and return to work. There is no current UK national practice regarding physiotherapy after neck dissection.
METHOD: Nine regional centres were surveyed to determine their standard physiotherapy practice pre- and post-neck dissection, and to determine pre-emptive physiotherapy for any patients.
RESULTS: Eighty-nine per cent of centres never arranged any pre-emptive physiotherapy for any patients. Thirty-three per cent of centres offered routine in-patient physiotherapy after surgery. No centres offered out-patient physiotherapy for all patients regardless of symptoms. Seventy-eight per cent offered physiotherapy for patients with any symptoms, with 11 per cent offering physiotherapy for those with severe dysfunction only. Eleven per cent of centres never offered physiotherapy for any dysfunction.
CONCLUSION: The provision of physiotherapy is most commonly reactive rather than proactive, and usually driven by patient request. There is little evidence of pre-arranged physiotherapy for patients to treat or prevent shoulder dysfunction in the UK.
Details
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | The Journal of laryngology and otology |
| Early online date | 13 Jun 2018 |
| Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 13 Jun 2018 |
Keywords
- Neck Dissection, Physical Therapy Modalities, Otolaryngology, Malignancy