The Role of Physiatry Practice in a Multidisciplinary Breast Tumor Board: A Descriptive Study.

Abstract

Cancer rehabilitation medicine is a growing field in physiatry, but more studies are needed to demonstrate how physiatry can contribute to patient care within the cancer care continuum. To quantify and describe physiatric participation during a multidisciplinary tumor board for breast cancer patients. A prospective descriptive study. A multidisciplinary breast tumor board at a large academic medical center. Five hundred thirty-seven breast cancer cases presented at a multidisciplinary breast tumor board. Not applicable. The number of times physiatry actively participated in a multidisciplinary breast tumor board in the categories of referral to physiatry, referral to rehabilitation services, referral to other services, advice given on patients/symptom management, and discussion of available services. Out of 537 breast cancer cases presented, 221 cases (41.2%) resulted in a physiatry recommendation for referral to either physiatry, rehabilitation services, other services, or advice on patient and symptom management. Physiatry can actively participate in the care of cancer patients during a multidisciplinary breast cancer tumor board.