A qualitative analysis of oncology clinicians’ perceptions and barriers for physical activity counseling in breast cancer survivors

Abstract

Researchers are encouraged to develop research agendas and test educational strategies that are integrated into current practice, empirically test barriers that developed from this study with a larger, representative sample to determine salient barriers and develop PA counseling strategies that are clinician-initiated but not dependent on clinicians.

Exercise is medicine in oncology: Engaging clinicians to help patients move through cancer

“…The literature suggests that there are few adverse events from exercise in those living with and beyond cancer . However, the concern regarding keeping patients safe continues to be raised . In truth, adverse event reporting in the field of exercise oncology is not standardized.…”

“…2,9,[37][38][39] However, the concern regarding keeping patients safe continues to be raised. 22,23,26 In truth, adverse event reporting in the field of exercise oncology is not standardized. Event reporting should become standardized within exercise programs for people living with and beyond cancer to gain the trust of the oncology clinical community.…”

“…A recent survey of 971 oncology clinicians that was conducted by the American Society of Clinical Oncology indicated that 78.9% of respondents agreed that oncology clinicians should recommend physical activity to their patients . Observed barriers to clinicians referring patients to exercise programming include lack of awareness of the potential value of exercise in cancer populations, uncertainty regarding the safety or suitability of exercise for a particular patient, lack of awareness regarding available programs to help facilitate exercise in cancer populations, need for education and skills development for making referrals, and a belief that referrals to exercise programming are not within the scope of practice for oncology clinicians …”

“…23 Observed barriers to clinicians referring patients to exercise programming include lack of awareness of the potential value of exercise in cancer populations, uncertainty regarding the safety or suitability of exercise for a particular patient, lack of awareness regarding available programs to help facilitate exercise in cancer populations, need for education and skills development for making referrals, and a belief that referrals to exercise programming are not within the scope of practice for oncology clinicians. 21,22,[24][25][26] In summary, the scientific evidence base supports exercise, and patients and clinicians generally agree that patients should be moving throughout their cancer therapy and survivorship. Translating from the current state to exercise assessment, advice, referral, and engagement as standard practice for all people living with and beyond cancer is a multifactorial puzzle to be solved.…”

The “Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology” Journal Club Series: Highlights on Recent Papers in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior

“…Thus, it is necessary to identify an appropriate promotion and prescription of regular PA for BC survivors to improve their prognosis, response to therapy, and quality of life. In this issue, Fong AJ and colleagues [29] examine factors affecting exercise counseling by clinicians and discuss future strategies to address oncology clinicians' perceptions of PA counseling and barriers to such counseling in BC survivors. Focus group discussions were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.…”