Limited research exists regarding healthcare professionals' knowledge and practice of physical activity promotion for cancer survivors in Ireland. There is also a lack of research identifying the barriers experienced by oncology professionals when promoting physical activity, or referring patients to community-based exercise programmes. This study aims to identify healthcare professionals' knowledge, barriers and practices in relation to physical activity promotion for cancer survivors, and to generate guidance regarding the optimisation of the referral process to community-based exercise programmes. Oncology healthcare professionals (n = 114) were invited to participate in two rounds of an online Delphi study. The response rates in rounds one and two were 38% (43/114) and 70% (30/43). Most respondents acknowledged the value of physical activity for cancer survivors (≥86%) and agreed that discussing physical activity with cancer patients was part of their role (88%). However, the majority of recommendations provided to patients did not align with the current physical activity guidelines. Strategies related to four themes that could optimise the referral process to community-based exercise programmes achieved consensus, including providing education to healthcare professionals and patients regarding the benefits of physical activity and the logistics and quality of programmes, and optimising the logistics of the referral process.
Background The majority of individuals living with and beyond cancer are not sufficiently active to achieve health benefits. Objective The aim of this study was to explore individuals’ experiences of physical activity (PA) behavior across the cancer journey and to ask individuals living with and beyond cancer to identify strategies to support habitual PA. Design An exploratory, descriptive, qualitative design was used. Methods Purposive sampling methods were used to recruit individuals living with and beyond cancer who had been referred to, and/or participated in, a community-based exercise program or were attending a cancer support center. The focus group discussions were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Results Seven focus groups were conducted with 41 participants. Many individuals reported that regular PA provided a vehicle for recovery that created a sense of “self-power,” defined as taking ownership and control of one’s health to increase well-being. Barriers to PA participation included environmental-, patient-, and treatment-related challenges. Recommendations to support long-term adherence to PA included completion of fitness assessments at regular intervals and provision of a home exercise program. Limitations The benefits and barriers to PA participation for individuals diagnosed with cancers that were not represented may not have been identified. The strategies recommended to support habitual PA may be salient only to individuals whose cancer diagnoses were represented. Conclusions Exercise is seen as a vehicle for recovery from cancer but long-term adherence for individuals is complex. The findings from this study can inform the development of exercise oncology rehabilitation programs and could support a greater likelihood of program success, thereby optimizing the health, well-being, and quality of life of survivors of cancer.
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