title: A qualitative assessment of upper quarter dysfunction reported by physical therapists treated for breast cancer or treating breast cancer sequelae.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  As survival rates for breast cancer improve, long-term effects of treatment are receiving increasing attention, including upper quarter impairments and functional limitations. The purpose of this study was to assess, through qualitative means, the long-term effects of breast cancer treatment on upper quarter function as reported by those with expertise in upper quarter dysfunction. Participants were physical therapists who were either breast cancer survivors ("survivors") or those who specialized in treatment of individuals post-breast cancer ("treaters").
  
  
  METHODS
  Three focus groups (two groups of survivors [n=16] and one group of treaters [n=10]) were convened to discuss their experiences with upper quarter dysfunction post-breast cancer. Qualitative research methods were used to collect and analyze the data, to extract themes, and to assure reliability and validity of the original and extracted data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two themes emerged from the data and are supported by participant quotes. The first theme described the presence of upper quarter dysfunction that impacted body structure and function and resulted in activity/participation limitations. The second theme described the contextual factors that impacted the reported dysfunction, including access to comprehensive care, inadequate attention by health care providers, and a resulting need for self-advocacy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study supports the problem of late effects from breast cancer treatment on upper quarter function and points out the need for better education for health care providers, increased long-term surveillance of survivors, and a more proactive model of health care delivery for this population.
authors.affiliation: MGH Institute of Health Professions, 9 Cot Hill Road, Boston, MA 01730, USA. pklevangie@mghihp.edu
authors.forename: Pamela K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Levangie
authors.forename: Anita M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Santasier
authors.forename: Nicole L
authors.initials: NL
authors.lastname: Stout
authors.forename: Lucinda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pfalzer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D059825:Physical Therapists; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D020127:Recovery of Function; D017741:Survivors