Investigating the Preferences and Requirements of Patients and Healthcare Providers for a Physical Activity Program During Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer - Report - MDSpire
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Investigating the Preferences and Requirements of Patients and Healthcare Providers for a Physical Activity Program During Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
Clinical Report: Preferences for Physical Activity Programs During Chemotherapy
Overview
This study investigates the preferences, barriers, and requirements of patients and healthcare providers regarding physical activity programs during chemotherapy for breast cancer. Understanding these preferences is essential for designing effective and sustainable prehabilitation interventions.
Background
Breast cancer is the second-most common cancer in women in the United States, accounting for 30% of all new female cancers each year. Patients receiving local and/or systemic treatments for breast cancer have reported numerous physical and emotional side effects, including depression and declines in mental acuity. Physical activity has been shown to improve both physical and mental health outcomes for breast cancer patients, with studies indicating that physically active survivors report fewer depressive symptoms and have a reduced risk of cancer recurrence and mortality. However, barriers exist in implementing effective physical activity programs during the complex treatment period.
Data Highlights
Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews with patients and clinicians.
Key Findings
Patients and clinicians expressed a need for structured physical activity programs during chemotherapy, highlighting barriers such as emotional overwhelm and lack of referral infrastructure. Prehabilitation may mitigate treatment side effects and improve cognitive function, and understanding patient and clinician preferences is crucial for program design and implementation.
Clinical Implications
Healthcare providers should consider integrating physical activity programs into treatment plans for breast cancer patients. Addressing barriers and aligning program designs with patient and clinician preferences can enhance the effectiveness and uptake of these interventions, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes.
Conclusion
The study highlights the importance of understanding the preferences of both patients and clinicians in developing effective physical activity programs during chemotherapy for breast cancer. This knowledge is vital for improving patient outcomes and program sustainability, as supported by existing literature.
by D. Carolina Andrade, Loni Parrish, Courtney Harriss, Lindsay L. Peterson, Ryan P. Duncan, Jingqin Luo, Maura M. Kepper, Christine Marx, Mary C. Politi, Elizabeth A. Salerno