CANCER REHAB PLUS PROGRAM COMBINES EXERCISE , THERAPY AND WELLNESS SUPPORT
PATIENT CARE ❚■
PATIENTS : WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU !
CANCER REHAB PLUS PROGRAM COMBINES EXERCISE , THERAPY AND WELLNESS SUPPORT
The O ’ Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center ’ s Cancer Rehab Plus program anticipates and responds to patient needs at every stage of the cancer journey . It ’ s an approach to cancer rehabilitation that recognizes the complex challenges of cancer and how needs vary from person to person . The program is designed to help patients meet their health goals and make positive changes at every step of their journey – not just during setbacks .
“ Research has shown that avoiding inactivity is an important part of the treatment experience ,” said Clinical Exercise Physiologist Sara Mansfield , CEP , NBC-HWC . “ By staying more active , patients can slow their loss of functional ability , manage fatigue and build resilience .”
Mansfield says her role has been compared to a medical personal trainer for patients with cancer . She works with them to identify realistic exercise strategies for each phase of their cancer journey . For patients who find it difficult to embrace structured or measured exercise , “ we start where the patient is currently in terms of ability and build on that baseline ,” she says . “ Starting slow and careful pacing is the safest and most effective formula for success , no matter what the goal . This isn ’ t about working out hard or overreaching – it ’ s about finding ways to take care of oneself .”
Qualifying conditions include a wide range of issues , including a major decrease in activity level , loss of balance , and others . The Cancer Rehab Plus program is closely connected to other UAB Medicine resources and can also help patients who need rehab for a physical injury , psychological counseling or UAB Arts in Medicine services . Patients can sign themselves up for the program or request a referral from their oncologist or supportive care provider . Online virtual coaching is available .
“ When you get actively involved in your own cancer rehabilitation , you aren ’ t just waiting on that next scan or blood work , and you generate motivation to keep looking ahead ,” Mansfield says .
The UAB Medicine Cancer Patient and Family Advisory Council is comprised of volunteers who recently received cancer care at UAB Medicine or whose family member received cancer care . This team is a voice for other patients with cancer and their families and works together to provide UAB Medicine leaders with valuable feedback and insight regarding the planning , design and delivery of cancer care . The council helps identify needs and concerns of patients and their family members , creates dialogue among advisors and executives about systems and processes , and generates new ideas to improve the patient experience for those with cancer .
We encourage patients to serve on our council if they :
• Have an interest in improving the cancer care experience for future patients and their families ;
• Want to share personal insights and experiences in ways that benefit UAB Medicine Cancer Services and others ;
• Are able to collaborate with different individuals and share various points of view ; and
• Have a passion for helping improve UAB Medicine .
The council meets monthly via Zoom . Meetings occur in the early evening , at a time convenient for the group . To join , please email cancer-pfac @ uabmc . edu or visit our website for an online submission form .
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