The Integration of Rehabilitative Therapies and Palliative Care

Abstract

AbstractThose who are diagnosed with serious illnesses often experience symptoms that impact their ability to care for themselves. Symptoms such as fatigue and pain prevent individuals from performing daily tasks, such as walking, dressing, bathing, and transferring. Research has found that the loss of functionality, both physical and cognitive, can lead to poor quality of life and caregiver burnout. Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) is often underutilized despite the benefits it can have on improving an individual’s ability to perform activities of daily living. There are a variety of barriers such as lack of knowledge and funding that impact referrals to PM&R services. The purpose of this chapter is to better understand the subspecialty of PM&R so it can be better integrated with the practice of palliative care.