Individualized rehabilitation in clinical cancer care

Abstract Introduction With an increasing number of cancer survivors, many live with long-term consequences of their illness and treatment. Rehabilitation is crucial but varies by diagnosis, individual preferences, and time, making it complex. Patients' rehabilitation needs must be systematically identified and addressed with evidence-based interventions throughout the cancer process. Despite strong evidence and National guidelines, cancer rehabilitation is not yet integrated into cancer care and implementation varies significantly due to staff shortages, resource limitations, and lack of management support, resulting in unequal care. The project aims to improve quality of care, equality, and accessibility for cancer patients through implementation of a model for individualized cancer rehabilitation. Method As part of a funded quality improvement project, an empirically developed model is used to systematically integrate the National Guidelines for Cancer Rehabilitation into clinical practice. Result Implementation processEmbedding: The project was initiated with planning and an initial meeting involving area and unit managers to establish a shared understanding and direction.Recruitment: External funding provided the means to recruit project managers and local champions to support implementation efforts.Development: An education package was developed.Implementation plan: Workshops aiming to create tailored implementation plans. Champions continued by designing structures for clinical care, ensuring sustainable integration of the Individualized cancer rehabilitation model. This structured approach established a solid foundation for ongoing implementation and evaluation, adapted to each outpatient clinic's specific conditions. Discussion Diagnosis-specific rehabilitation structures have been developed, and implementation is ongoing. Continued funding has been granted, enabling further implementation and evaluation from patient, employee, and organizational perspectives.