| Summary: | Background
Multi-disciplinary, exercise-based, oncology rehabilitation improves outcomes for cancer
survivors. However, most programs currently exist in hospital settings and there is limited
access to rehabilitation in the community. Community-based programs may improve access
and outcomes but the feasibility of implementing multi-disciplinary rehabilitation in this
setting is unknown.
Aim
To assess the feasibility of implementing an innovative, multi-disciplinary, multi-site
exercise-based oncology rehabilitation program in the community.
Method
A prospective feasibility study focussed on demand, implementation, acceptability, and limited
efficacy was conducted. The Program for Oncology Wellness and Exercise Rehabilitation
(POWER) comprised twice-weekly group exercise, fortnightly education and individual
counselling for cancer survivors over 12-weeks. Limited efficacy testing was completed by
calculating mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for outcomes including
the Self-Efficacy to Manage Chronic Disease Scale, EORTC-QLQ30, Brief Fatigue
Inventory, 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and 5 times sit-to-stand test (5STS).
Results
Over 10 months, 65 referrals were received. Twenty-four participants [mean age 62 (SD
12) years, median 9 (range 2 to 120) months post-cancer diagnosis] completed the program.
Overall, 73% of scheduled exercise sessions were attended. Participants improved physical
function (6MWT MD 98.5m, 95%CI 64m to 134m, 5STS MD -4.5s, 95%CI -7.8s
to -1.1s), self-efficacy (MD 1.1 points, 95%CI 0.2 to 2.4) and fatigue (MD -1.1 points,
95%CI -2.2 to 0.0). No adverse events were reported. Challenges faced in this setting
included funding sustainability and cost. Enabling factors included in-kind support from the
organisation and convenience of location.
Conclusion
Community-based oncology rehabilitation programs are safe and feasible and may facilitate
ongoing positive behaviour change and self-management in cancer survivors beyond hospital-
based rehabilitation.
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