Cancer Rehabilitation in the Pediatric and Adolescent/Young Adult Population.

OBJECTIVES: To identify body impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions in children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer amenable to rehabilitation, and provide the recommended screening, assessment and rehabilitation referral information for the health care community.

DATA SOURCES: A review of the rehabilitation and pediatric oncology literature regarding functional impairments in combination with clinical expertise from practicing pediatric oncology rehabilitation therapists.

CONCLUSION: Rehabilitation intervention has great potential to mitigate the impact of cancer and its treatment and may even have a role in reducing morbidity and mortality. All health care providers have a role in optimizing the function and quality of life in the pediatric cancer population.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: It is imperative for nurses to utilize subjective and clinical screening to identify persons appropriate for rehabilitation referral, collaborate with the rehabilitation team, and support the patients and families in adhering to rehabilitation recommendations.