Neurorehabilitation

Abstract

People affected by brain tumours (BTs) can experience a wide range of symptoms and disabilities, such as reduced mobility, cognitive and psychological problems, difficulties with self-care and relationship and work issues, which can result in reduced ability in daily life activities and in performing (or maintaining) usual family and social roles, with a substantial impact on quality of life.

Neuro-oncological rehabilitation refers to the process of assisting a person who has become disabled as a result of tumour (or therapies) to improve symptoms and maximise functional independence, activity (e.g. walking) and participation (e.g. employment, reintegration into social and domestic life), within the limits of the persisting impairment. As for other diseases/impairments, disabilities caused by BTs can be expressed within the conceptual framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), which was developed by World Health Organization (WHO) to describe health and the multidimensional health-related concerns of individuals. Symptoms and disabilities may be addressed through a “multidisciplinary rehabilitation” delivered by a team of different healthcare professionals working in an organised manner. Nurses assume a pivotal role for the creation of a supportive environment for rehabilitation as most of nurses’ activities represent essential rehabilitative skills. Rehabilitation nurses also provide patients and caregivers with education and emotional support and act as a link between patients and families and the different healthcare settings. The complexity of knowledge and skills required to provide such comprehensive care illustrates the need for increasing specialisation in neuro-oncology to strengthen and raise the nurses’ professional profile.