Jill Binkley, PT, MSc, CLT traveled to Hanoi, Vietnam in October 2023 to provide physical therapy training to staff at K Hospital. She shared her story with us.
The trip was an amazing learning experience for me, and I was deeply inspired by the dedication and passion of every single member of the K Hospital staff that I encountered. The staff was very gracious, welcoming, and excellent hosts.
The focus of my work was to provide education related to cancer rehabilitation and survivorship for the rehabilitation staff, as well as the medical oncology, breast surgery, and radiation oncology department physicians and nurses. The week was divided into half-day blocks, with two full days spent with the breast surgery team. Many of the education events included staff along with patients, with attendance ranging from 15-40 people total for each of the half-day sessions. For many of the sessions, there were an additional 10-25 staff members and patients in attendance virtually.
The topics presented were agreed upon beforehand as most needed by K Hospital staff. The evidence-based presentations included the role of cancer rehabilitation, common cancer treatment side effects with a focus on breast cancer, the prospective model of cancer rehabilitation, cancer-related lymphedema, and the importance of physical activity for individuals with cancer. The work and discussions around lymphedema focused on the benefits of early detection, evaluation and measurement of lymphedema, as well as evidence-based management approaches. In formal and informal conversations, we discussed the importance of patient education and knowledge regarding cancer treatment side effects. We also addressed doable and cost-effective steps to implement programs to support patients going through cancer.
Having patients and health care providers involved in many of the education sessions was unique, inspirational, and facilitated real-time patient endorsement of the content related to documented patient need for education and support. An example of this was when discussing axillary cording, one of the very common, but under-recognized, side effects of breast cancer surgery. Cording is an extremely painful tightness of the axilla and arm that often limits movement and function after surgery. We asked the approximately 25 patients in attendance to raise a hand if they had experienced this after surgery, and all but one raised their hand. We were able to go on to explain what it is and demonstrate simple exercises to reduce cording symptoms and increase function. I believe it had a significant impact on the patients and breast cancer surgeons in attendance. It was very special when a demonstration of lymphedema bandaging for staff with a patient volunteer ended with a heartfelt hug.
The following is some feedback from Dr. Nguyen, Director of Rehabilitation at K Hospital, about the work we did together. “Jill gave 8 well–prepared presentations and two detailed practical lessons. She spent time lecturing in many departments at K hospital including the breast cancer surgery department, oncology department, radiation oncology department, optimal department, and rehabilitation center. Many surgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologists, nurses, and cancer patients took part in her lectures and practices. They expressed high appreciation for the lessons. Jill gave us not only knowledge but also the strategy to take care of cancer patients from the beginning of their stay at the hospital to the time they return to their community. Once again, on behalf of our colleagues and patients, I would like to give special thanks to Jill, Dr. Kelly Smith, and HVO for kindness and whole-heartedly working with us. You have given us the opportunity to improve our knowledge and skill for taking care of our cancer patients, especially in oncology rehabilitation. We hope Dr. Kelly Smith and HVO have more programs like this to support us in the future. We look forward Jill and other experts working visit to K hospital!”
The trip was very worthwhile for me personally and professionally, and hopefully helped the staff more fully understand cancer treatment side effects, survivorship, and the role of rehabilitation and education for supporting patients and their families. Several of us have agreed to stay in touch and have talked in general terms about a return trip in the future.