Linda K. Clarke, MS, RN, CORLN

As the economics of health care increasingly dictate the parameters of patient care delivery, the role of rehabilitation has taken on new meaning with regard to positive patient outcomes. This is particularly true for the head and neck cancer patient coping with devastating physical and functional changes. With treatment advances leading to increased survival, health-care providers must therefore focus on restoring function and assisting the patient to achieve an acceptable quality of life. For the head and neck cancer patient with multiple rehabilitation needs, this can best be accomplished through a comprehensive, coordinated approach, utilizing interdisciplinary clinical and community resources aimed at facilitating the rehabilitation process and ultimately achieving individualized rehabilitation goals.