Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2010

Publication Source

Rehabilitation Oncology

Abstract

Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers among women. Breast cancer treatments often negatively impact the function of the arm, and quality of life and upper extremity function does not always return to a prediagnosis level. Survivors of breast cancer may also experience feelings of diminished self-efficacy related to functional deficits resulting from their physical limitations. The International Classification of Functioning (ICF) provides a framework for rehabilitation practitioners to address physical and psychological impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. Patient outcomes may be improved by fostering self-efficacy through empowerment. This paper explores how the ICF model and theories of self-efficacy and empowerment can interact to promote improved rehabilitation outcomes for women who have survived breast cancer. A model for the role of rehabilitation practitioners to enhance self-efficacy through empowerment in order to minimize participation restrictions resulting from upper extremity morbidities is proposed.

Inclusive pages

19-25

ISBN/ISSN

2168-3808

Document Version

Published Version

Comments

PDF provided with permission of APTA. Permission documentation is on file.

Publisher

American Physical Therapy Association

Volume

28

Issue

3

Peer Reviewed

yes

Keywords

breast cancer, extremity function, ICF

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