Amy M Dennett1, Casey L Peiris2, Nora Shields2, Delwyn Morgan3, Nicholas F Taylor1. 1. School of Allied Health, La Trobe University and Allied Health Clinical Research Office, Eastern Health, VIC, Australia. 2. School of Allied Health, La Trobe University and Northern Health, VIC, Australia. 3. Ambulatory and Community Services Program, Eastern Health, VIC, Australia.
Abstract
AIM: Oncology rehabilitation improves outcomes for cancer survivors but little is known about program availability in Australia. The aims of this study were: to describe oncology rehabilitation programs in Australia: determine whether the exercise component of programs is consistent with guidelines: and to explore barriers and facilitators to program implementation. METHODS: A sequential, explanatory mixed-methods study was completed in two phases: (1) a survey of Australian oncology rehabilitation programs; and (2) purposively sampled follow-up semistructured interviews with senior clinicians working in oncology rehabilitation who were involved with exercise prescription. RESULTS: Hospitals and/or cancer centers from 42 public hospital health networks (representing 163 hospitals) and 39 private hospitals were contacted to identify 31 oncology rehabilitation programs. All 31 surveys were returned (100% response rate). Programs were typically multidisciplinary, ran twice weekly, provided education and exercise and included self-management strategies. Exercise prescription and progression was patient centered and included a combination of resistance and aerobic training supplemented by balance, pelvic floor, and core stability exercises. Challenges to implementation included a lack of awareness of programs in the community and organizational barriers such as funding. Strong links with oncologists facilitated program referrals. CONCLUSION: Despite evidence to support oncology rehabilitation, there are few programs in Australia and there are challenges that limit it becoming part of standard practice. Programs that exist are multidisciplinary with a focus on exercise with the majority of programs following a cardiac rehabilitation model of care.
AIM: Oncology rehabilitation improves outcomes for cancer survivors but little is known about program availability in Australia. The aims of this study were: to describe oncology rehabilitation programs in Australia: determine whether the exercise component of programs is consistent with guidelines: and to explore barriers and facilitators to program implementation. METHODS: A sequential, explanatory mixed-methods study was completed in two phases: (1) a survey of Australian oncology rehabilitation programs; and (2) purposively sampled follow-up semistructured interviews with senior clinicians working in oncology rehabilitation who were involved with exercise prescription. RESULTS: Hospitals and/or cancer centers from 42 public hospital health networks (representing 163 hospitals) and 39 private hospitals were contacted to identify 31 oncology rehabilitation programs. All 31 surveys were returned (100% response rate). Programs were typically multidisciplinary, ran twice weekly, provided education and exercise and included self-management strategies. Exercise prescription and progression was patient centered and included a combination of resistance and aerobic training supplemented by balance, pelvic floor, and core stability exercises. Challenges to implementation included a lack of awareness of programs in the community and organizational barriers such as funding. Strong links with oncologists facilitated program referrals. CONCLUSION: Despite evidence to support oncology rehabilitation, there are few programs in Australia and there are challenges that limit it becoming part of standard practice. Programs that exist are multidisciplinary with a focus on exercise with the majority of programs following a cardiac rehabilitation model of care.
Authors: Amy M Dennett; Casey L Peiris; Nicholas F Taylor; Melissa S Reed; Nora Shields Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2018-08-22 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: Helena C Frawley; Kuan-Yin Lin; Catherine L Granger; Rosemary Higgins; Michael Butler; Linda Denehy Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2019-06-27 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: Amy M Dennett; Bernadette Zappa; Rachel Wong; Stephen B Ting; Kimberley Williams; Casey L Peiris Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2021-05-08 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: Kathryn Barker; Anne E Holland; Annemarie L Lee; Kathryn Ritchie; Claire Boote; Stephanie Lowe; Fiona Pazsa; Lee Thomas; Monica Turczyniak; Elizabeth H Skinner Journal: J Comorb Date: 2018-07-20