Physiotherapy management of cancer-related fatigue: a survey of UK current practice

Abstract

Physiotherapists' management of CRF includes recommending and using exercise and teaching energy-conservation techniques. Therapists recommend and/or use exercise with a variety of cancer populations, across all stages of the disease trajectory, in particular during advanced stages of the disease. Findings show therapists feel their practice is affected by the lack of exercise guidance for the cancer population. CRF management and physiotherapy practice would benefit from further research testing the efficacy of exercise in understudied patient groups, in all stages of the disease trajectory.

Cancer-related fatigue: a survey of health practitioner knowledge and practice

“…International studies have identified a need for more health professional education relating to CRF [13][14][15]21]. The most common CRF education received by participants in the current survey was self-directed.…”

“…Other international surveys of health professionals working in oncology have reported similar findings. Cancer physiotherapists in the UK most commonly promoted exercise and energy conservation [13], while Jordanian nurses believed anaemia correction, sleep, energy conservation and nutrition were the optimal strategies [14]. Oncology doctors and nurses in Turkey predominantly used pharmacological, educational and nutritional interventions [15].…”

Oncology Rehabilitation Provision and Practice Patterns across Canada

“…8,29 Canadians living with cancer and health care professionals involved with cancer care have recognized a need for oncology rehabilitation services, 5,11,25-28 yet our survey results suggest that current services are limited in scope and availability.…”

“…5,27 Systemic and personal barriers related to establishing oncology rehabilitation programmes have been identified. Systemic barriers include reduced government funding, lack of resources 8,29 and lack of education and training opportunities for physicians regarding the benefits of rehabilitation, as a result of which oncology patients are not referred to rehabilitation professionals for symptom management and treatment as a standard practice. 26,28 Personal barriers to participation in an oncology rehabilitation programme include problems with adherence due to fatigue and other symptoms, as well as families' concerns about energy levels.…”

“…27,28 While studies have been conducted in the United Kingdom and the United States, an exhaustive literature search failed to reveal any Canadian studies examining the disconnect between the need for symptom management and the role of rehabilitation. 8,29 In the United States, people with cancer are usually referred to general rehabilitation departments within hospitals, 9 as the number of established oncology rehabilitation programmes is limited. Most existing programmes operate within large cancer hospitals or in centres led by a health professional specializing in oncology.…”