Professional Roles of Oncologic Specialty Physical Therapists in the United States

Abstract

Background: Oncologic specialty physical therapists (OncPTs) are a growing discipline in the cancer workforce.The complexities of cancer care delivery and the multidimensional nature of cancer care teams require oncology providers to serve in professional roles beyond clinical care. This project aims to assess the professional roles that OncPTs play in cancer care delivery. Methods: A 27-item survey was developed by the Oncologic Specialty Council of the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and sent electronically to boardcertified oncologic clinical specialists in the United States. The survey was open for 45 days. Demographics of the population and frequency data were analyzed in Qualtrics. Results: Fifty-seven complete surveys were received out of 106 eligible specialists (response rate 53%). Respondents were predominantly female (91%) and White (78%). Fifty-six percent (n = 32) had greater than 15 years of practice experience and 68% (n = 39) held DPTs. Seventy-three percent reported greater than 50% of their work week dedicated to oncology practice and 52.6% reported providing consultations or treatment in the physical space of a cancer center. All respondents have been board-certified OncPTs for at least 1 year. Providing clinical care accounted for 71% of the cohorts' work time and 14% was spent in program development (outside of clinical care). Specialists reported oncology-specific program development responsibilities across 3 themes: workforce development (mentoring and teaching peers and staff), establishing clinical practice standards (standardizing assessment tools and clinical pathways), and program assessment (quality improvement and research). The OncPT professional roles included leadership responsibilities within their health system (n = 24) and leadership or committee roles in rehabilitation-specific professional organizations (n = 55). No respondents reported serving in roles regarding research mentorship or advising on state policy or payer issues, and 1 respondent identified a role in advising on federal policy issues. Conclusion: Oncologic specialty physical therapists primarily serve clinical patient care roles. Aside from clinical practice, program development roles focus on rehabilitation-centric Rehabilitation Oncology

Unmet Needs and Care Delivery Gaps Among Rural Cancer Survivors

“…37 A recent analysis of oncology board certified physical therapists found low density across the central and rural areas of the US. 17 Additionally, the knowledge and skills of primary care professionals regarding the physical and psychological needs of individuals with cancer is remarkably low 38 suggesting that even in care settings close to the individual's home, they are unlikely to get evidence-informed information or interventions to meet their greatest needs. 39 Considering that physical and psychological needs were the highest experienced by our study population, and others, 35 this is a remarkable care gap in our rural communities.…”

“… 15 This is especially true in rural areas of the US, where access to supportive care providers with expertise in oncology is limited. 16 , 17 …”

Current State of Entry-level Physical Therapy Oncology Curricula in the United States: A Faculty Survey

“…There has been significant advancement since 2016 in postprofessional physical therapy education with the American Physical Therapy Association House of Delegates approving board certification in the area of oncologic physical therapy, with the first specialist certification examination administered in 2019. 19…”

“…ere has been significant advancement since 2016 in postprofessional physical therapy education with the American Physical erapy Association House of Delegates approving board certification in the area of oncologic physical therapy, with the first specialist certification examination administered in 2019. 19 Although postprofessional education has advanced in the area of oncology and physical therapy in the United States, currently, there are no recommended competencies or guidelines for entry-level physical therapist education programs related, to knowledge, skills, and attitudes to meet the societal needs of people living with and beyond cancer. Other health professions including nursing and medicine, as well as the Canadian equivalent the Commission on Accreditation in Physical erapy Education (CAPTE), Canadian Council of Physiotherapy University Programs (CCPUP), include oncology content in their curriculum.…”