A Pilot Tele-rehabilitation Trial for Breast Cancer Survivors

A Pilot Feasibility Study of a Tele-rehabilitation System Among Women Who Undergo a Unilateral Mastectomy for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the leading cancer affecting women in Singapore. Breast cancer survivors commonly experience declined physical function and quality of life, due to their upper limb morbidity and wound issues post-surgery. Rehabilitation therapy can address the aforementioned issues that the survivors may experience during their recovery. No therapy however, can be effective if patients do not utilize them. Home-based telehealth (e.g., tele-rehabilitation) self-managed by patients and guided by healthcare professionals can potentially improve the service use and recovery. This study aims to understand the lived experience of post-mastectomy tele-rehabilitation and recovery process among female patients who undergo a unilateral mastectomy for breast cancer.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female 21 years and over
• Underwent a recent unilateral breast surgery (wide excision or simple mastectomy) with lymph nodes removed
• Speak and write English or Mandarin;
• No psychiatric history or chronic psychiatric condition as assessed by referring clinician

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having breast reconstruction
• Having legal blindness or severe visual impairment
• Having life expectancy of less than three months (12- weeks)
• Having previous upper limb injury or conditions that limit passive ranges of shoulder flexion (<150°), elbow extension/flexion (0/145°)