Background: Treatment for head and neck cancer (HANC) commonly results in long-term functional impairments, including trismus, lymphoedema, fibrosis, cervical and shoulder dysfunction, reduced physical function, and loss of skeletal muscle mass. Despite the recognised role of physiotherapy, no standardised model of care provides coordinated rehabilitation from treatment planning through survivorship. Limited access to specialist services in regional communities highlights the need for an integrated hybrid model of care.
Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of implementing a physiotherapy hybrid model of care for people undergoing curative-intent radiotherapy for HANC.
Design: Prospective single-centre feasibility study (n=30), patients referred at the time of radiation
planning. Participants will undergo a baseline face-to-face physiotherapy assessment prior to commencing radiotherapy and follow an 18-month hybrid rehabilitation pathway, integrating face-to-face reviews with radiotherapy treatment and Telehealth consultations to minimise travel burden. Standardised assessments will include cervical and shoulder function, maximum mouth opening, lymphoedema screening, skeletal muscle mass and exercise capacity. Patient-reported outcomes will be followed using the EORTC QLQ-H&N43 and Neck Disability Index.
Implementation: The model will be implemented at Oncology Recovery Services Inc in collaboration with St Vincent's Hospital Sydney. Feasibility outcomes will include recruitment, intervention adherence, completion of scheduled assessments, patient and clinician acceptability, service utilisation and fidelity of model delivery.
Conclusion: This study will evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of integrating a physiotherapy hybrid model of care into routine HANC services. The findings will inform the design of a future multi-centre effectiveness and implementation study aimed at improving equitable access to specialist rehabilitation, reduce long-term functional morbidity, and enhance quality of life, social participation and return to work for people undergoing radiotherapy for HANC.