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Appendix 5E: Patient information brochure\u000DRehabilitation programme for head and neck oncology patients\u000DA collaborative programme of the Netherlands Cancer Institute and Reade rehabilitation\u2502rheumatology\u000DWhy a rehabilitation programme for head and neck oncology patients?\u000DDue to the improved treatment of head and neck cancer, the number of cancer survivors and chronic cancer patients is on the rise. Tumour and/or treatment may have a severe impact on functions in the head and neck area such as speaking, smelling, chewing and swallowing. Treatment may also bring about problems including pain, reduced appetite, reduced physical fitness, fatigue or nausea. These problems may cause an additional burden for patients, slow down their recovery and negatively affect their quality of life.\u000DUpon completion of treatment, many head and neck cancer patients (and their significant others) have a need for targeted rehabilitation and supportive care. Questions often arise on the physical and psychological effects of disease and treatment. These may include, \u201Chow can I reduce the effects of this treatment as much as possible?\u201D or \u201Chow should I handle this new (and often impaired) physical situation?\u201D.\u000DBy combining the expertise of the Netherlands Cancer Institute in this specialist area with the broad rehabilitation expertise of Reade4, the first version of a specifically medical specialist head and neck rehabilitation (HNR) programme was drawn up in 2006. This HNR programme was published in 2010 and approved as multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme by health insurance companies. The simultaneous development of the guideline \u0027Cancer Rehabilitation\u0027 in (http://www.oncoline.nl/cancer- rehabilitation) also underlines the importance of multidisciplinary rehabilitation.\u000DThe rehabilitation programme\u000DThe rehabilitation programme aims to reduce the impact of treatment effects on daily functioning and to increase your wellbeing. The programme is tailored to your individual needs and circumstances. A multidisciplinary team of specialists has been put together to ensure optimal support. The team consists of a head and neck surgeon/oncologist, rehabilitation specialist, speech therapist, physical therapist, oncology nurse, dietician, occupational therapist, social worker and consultant psychiatric nurse. Furthermore, a dental hygienist, prosthetist, psychologist, dentist or creative therapist may be added to the team. Your personalised programme will be coordinated by a case manager, who makes sure the care given during treatment and rehabilitation runs smoothly. The case manager is also your contact person.\u000DWhen should you start with the rehabilitation programme?\u000DDepending on the type of condition and/or treatment planned, you may start with the rehabilitation programme before, during or after medical treatment. The rehabilitation case manager can give you more information on participating in the rehabilitation programme before, during or after treatment.\u000D4 As of 31 December 2009 the Rehabilitation Centre Amsterdam and the Jan van Breemen Institute have joined forces and from 1 September 2010 onwards they have continued under the new name Reade.\u000D149\u000D