Patient safety in cancer rehabilitation

Abstract

Cancer patients receive rehabilitation services in acute hospitalizations, rehabilitation wards, outpatient rehabilitation facilities, and home settings. Given the complexity and acuity of their medical care coupled with the long-term effects of the cancer and its treatments, patient safety is a significant concern in the delivery of rehabilitation services for this population. Cancer survivorship is growing in importance as a significant number of adults and children diagnosed with cancer are surviving beyond the 5-year mark. The goal of this article is to provide an overview to rehabilitation clinicians on the topic of patient safety in the rehabilitation of cancer patients.