The Role of a mobile cancer team in supporting interdisciplinary care for oncology patients in the acute inpatient rehab level of care

Title : The Role of a mobile cancer team in supporting interdisciplinary care for oncology patients in the acute inpatient rehab level of care

Abstract:

Many acute rehabilitation teams face challenges supporting patients with cancer diagnoses due to complex medical, functional, and psychosocial needs. At Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, the Mobile Cancer Team (MCT) was developed to provide interdisciplinary consultation and education to inpatient care teams managing oncology-related cases across hospital units. The MCT’s goal is to enhance the quality and coordination of care for patients with cancer while promoting clinician confidence in oncology rehabilitation management.

Through a collaborative model, the MCT identifies patients admitted with active or historical cancer diagnoses and offers case-specific consultation on concerns such as functional tolerance, cognition, anxiety, pain, and discharge planning barriers. The team includes physicians, speech-language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, nursing champions, and psychologists. Referrals typically arise when patients present with complex clinical profiles, limited social support, or unclear discharge destinations. Interventions emphasize individualized education, interdisciplinary communication, and proactive rehabilitation planning.

Preliminary outcomes indicate improved staff engagement with oncology principles, greater continuity of rehabilitation plans, and more holistic support for patients and families navigating cancer-related challenges. This presentation will describe the structure, workflow, and early impact of the MCT, as well as opportunities for replication at other rehabilitation hospitals seeking to integrate oncology expertise into their inpatient programs.

Biography:

Shirley Ryan Abilitylab is a speech-language pathologist specializing in cognitive-communication and swallowing rehabilitation within acute inpatient settings. She serve as senior SLP and Vice Chair of the SLP Practice Council, providing clinical instruction, mentorship in burn and scar management, and leadership across oncology and tracheostomy initiatives. Her professional interests include augmentative and alternative communication, tracheostomy and ventilator care, early mobility, and aquatic-based therapy. She lead efforts in service expansion, staff education, and the advancement of evidence-based, person-centered care. Nationally, she represented Ohio on ASHA’s Committee of Ambassadors and contribute to SIG 12: Augmentative and alternative communication.