Inpatient cancer rehabilitation: past, present, and future perspectives

Purpose of review As cancer transitions from a terminal diagnosis to a chronic medical condition, viewpoints must also change regarding how rehabilitation fits into the continuum of care. The purpose of this review is to describe the history of inpatient rehabilitation, the current state as it relates to delivery of care for the oncology survivor, and the future models that may improve patient access. Recent findings Inpatient rehabilitation can provide an intensive setting for interdisciplinary interventions. Care is typically provided in inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRF), skilled nursing facilities (SNF), and long-term care hospitals (LTCH). Summary Each setting has evolved over time to accommodate medical complexity, but an understanding of the regulatory requirements for participation is necessary to integrate oncology populations. Future models should focus on effectiveness and efficiency, especially in context of cost and outcomes. Opportunities may exist to utilize inpatient rehabilitation for innovative programs within both oncology and rehabilitation.