Exercise counselling and referral in cancer care: an international scoping survey of health care practitioners’ knowledge, practices, barriers, and facilitators
Year: 2022
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Purpose Evidence supports the role of prescribed exercise for cancer survivors, yet few are advised to exercise by a healthcare practitioner (HCP). We sought to investigate the gap between HCPs’ knowledge and practice from an international perspective. Methods An online questionnaire was administered to HCPs working in cancer care between February 2020 and February 2021. The questionnaire assessed knowledge, beliefs, and practices regarding exercise counselling and referral of cancer survivors to exercise programs. Results The questionnaire was completed by 375 participants classified as medical practitioners (42%), nurses (28%), exercise specialists (14%), and non-exercise allied health practitioners (16%). Between 35 and 50% of participants self-reported poor knowledge of when, how, and which cancer survivors to refer to exercise programs or professionals, and how to counsel based on exercise guidelines. Commonly reported barriers to exercise counselling were safety concerns, time constraints, cancer survivors being told to rest by friends and family, and not knowing how to screen people for suitability to exercise (40–48%). Multivariable logistic regression models including age, gender, practitioner group, leisure-time physical activity, and recall of guidelines found significant effects for providing specific exercise advice (χ2(7) = 117.31, p < .001), discussing the role of exercise in symptom management (χ2(7) = 65.13, p < .001) and cancer outcomes (χ2(7) = 58.69, p < .001), and referring cancer survivors to an exercise program or specialist (χ2(7) = 72.76, p < .001). Conclusion Additional education and practical support are needed to equip HCPs to provide cancer survivors with exercise guidelines, resources, and referrals to exercise specialists.
Source: Supportive Care in Cancer
Institutions: University of South Australia, University of California, Irvine, University of Turku, Cyprus University of Technology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Command Hospital Air Force, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, The University of Melbourne, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Monash Health, Monash University, Swinburne University of Technology, Edith Cowan University, Queensland University of Technology, Flinders University, Caring Futures Institute, The University of Notre Dame Australia, National Cancer Institute, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Ghent University
Language: English
Topic: Cancer survivorship and care
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,290
Funder: University of South Australia
OpenAlex ID: W4297964689