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Chapter 2 Head and Neck Rehabilitation programme\u000DAs noted in the introduction chapter, recent research has shown that targeted rehabilitation can significantly improve recovery and optimisation of functional impairments, participation in social activities and, thus, patients\u0027 quality of life (Reilly 1990, Lazarus, Logemann et al. 2000, Salerno, Cavaliere et al. 2002, List and Bilir 2004, Rosenthal, Lewin et al. 2006, Burkhead, Sapienza et al. 2007, Kubrak, Olson et al. 2009, Passchier, Stuiver et al. 2016). By offering rehabilitative care as described in the HNR programme below, we aim to improve the daily functioning of this group of patients after initial cancer treatment. The primary aim of the rehabilitation programme is to help the patient regain their place in society, working from their specific capabilities. This programme is provided by a multidisciplinary team of medical specialists and allied health professionals, specialised in head and neck oncology from both institutes, and has been devised in line with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model (see figure A) (WHO 2001).\u000DFigure A. The \u2018International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health\u2019 (ICF).\u000DFor some time now the ICF classification has been applied to head and neck cancer patients, especially to patients who have undergone a laryngectomy (Eadie 2003, Eadie 2007). In addition, Tschiesner et al. (Tschiesner, Cieza et al. 2007) developed an international core set for head and neck patients in general. This specific core set has been included in the treatment programme here presented, in order for the functioning of this patient population to be classified carefully and according to current norms. See Appendix 3E for the head and neck core set.\u000D86\u000D