Work

Experiences of rehabilitation exercise during the transition from hospital to home among older patients following lung cancer surgery: a qualitative study guided by the social ecological model

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Older patients who undergo lung cancer surgery often experience reduced lung function, exercise intolerance, and psychological distress during the transition from hospital to home. Understanding their postoperative rehabilitation exercise experiences is essential for improving rehabilitation exercise experiences and long-term outcomes. Objective: Guided by the Social Ecological Model (SEM), this study aimed to explore the experiences of rehabilitation exercise among older patients during the transition from hospital to home following lung cancer surgery and to identify multilevel factors influencing their participation. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 13 postoperative older patients who had undergone lung cancer surgery, recruited via purposive sampling. Data analysis was performed using the conventional content analysis method proposed by Graneheim and Lundman. Results: Three major themes and ten subthemes were identified, corresponding to different levels of the Social Ecological Model: (1) Micro-system level: symptom burden, psychological distress, uncertainty, adaptation, perceived benefits, and habit formation; (2) Meso-system level: family encouragement, companionship, and informational support; (3) Macro-system level: insufficient continuity of medical guidance, limited community rehabilitation resources, and inadequate insurance coverage for rehabilitation. Conclusion: Rehabilitation exercise during the transition from hospital to home was influenced by individual, family, and healthcare-related factors. The findings may inform individualized exercise guidance, caregiver involvement, and continuity of professional follow-up after discharge.

Source: Frontiers in Oncology

DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2026.1763751