Municipality-based pragmatic rehabilitation stratified in accordance with individual needs—results from a longitudinal survey study

Objective Evidence on municipality-based cancer rehabilitation is sparse. This longitudinal study explores the following: (1) Rehabilitation needs, (2) effectiveness of municipality-based rehabilitation, and (3) whether rehabilitative services are stratified according to individual needs in breast cancer patients. Methods We collected data from a longitudinal survey among 82 breast cancer patients referred to municipality-based rehabilitation at the Copenhagen Centre for Cancer and Health. Rehabilitation needs, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and functional status were collected using patient-reported outcomes (PROs) including distress thermometer, problem list, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast questionnaire (FACT-B), and upper body function with the abbreviated disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand (Quick-DASH) questionnaire. Data collection time points are as follows: entry, follow-up, and end of intervention. Results At referral, scores were (mean (range)) distress 4.0 (0–10), problems 9.5 (0–24), and FACT-B 103.0 (49.8–135.5). HRQoL increased during rehabilitation (FACT-B ∆ mean 8.1 points (> MID, p