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Swisher A1, Burkart M1, Starkey A2, Duckworth A3, Thomas J4, Osman S5, Kennedy-Rea S2,3
1West Virginia University, Division of Physical Therapy, Morgantown, United States, 2West Virginia University, Cancer Institute, Morgantown, United States, 3West Virginia University, Hematology/Oncology, Morgantown, United States, 4CAMC Cancer Center, Charleston, United States, 5WVUMedicine, United Hospital Center, Bridgeport, United States
Background: Earlier diagnosis and new treatment techniques for people with lung cancer have led to improved survival in recent years. However, these persons have been noted to have very high rates of self-reported physical symptoms and impairments. It is unclear how well the physical therapy needs of this group of patients is being identified or met.
Purpose: The aim of this project was to assess lung cancer survivors at transition from active medical treatment to survivorship for needs that may be amenable to physical therapy interventions.
Methods: All persons diagnosed with stage 1-3 lung cancer who had completed active treatment (surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy) at the participating centers were interviewed and asked to indicate the presence and severity of their concern regarding common issues in cancer survivors. A physical therapist performed a history and brief physical examination as part of a multidisciplinary team clinic visit. The team also included occupational therapy, nutrition, social services, supportive care and navigation personnel. Persons with issues felt to be amenable to physical therapy intervention received referrals for services in their home communities as part of their individualized survivorship plan.
Results: To date a total of 52 persons (59% female, mean age 65 yrs, range 43-88 yrs) have been assessed, attended the clinic and had survivorship plans created. Twenty-two of these (42%) received recommendations for physical therapy services following assessment. Fatigue was the most commonly rated concern of survivors (48%), followed by breathing difficulty (46%) and concerns about exercise/physical activity (46%). Pain (42%) and concerns about balance/falling (42%) were also frequent concerns of survivors. The physical therapist recommended outpatient treatment most often (82%), followed by home-based services (14%) or structured pulmonary rehabilitation program (4%).
Conclusion(s): Survivors of lung cancer have high rates of self-reported difficulties with mobility, breathing, fatigue and balance. Physical therapy services to address these concerns were deemed appropriate for 90% of these persons. Without participation in this unique multidisciplinary program, many participants would not have received indicated and medically appropriate services.
Implications: Lung cancer survivors frequently report physical mobility concerns, such as fatigue, imbalance and breathing difficulties, that can be addressed through physical therapy interventions. Many survivors also have concerns about appropriate exercise and physical activity. It is important that physical therapists recognize the needs of these individuals to help improve the quality of their lives.
Keywords: balance, breathing, physical activity
Funding acknowledgements: This project is supported by a grant from the Bristol-Meyers-Squibb Foundation (co-PIs Stephenie Kennedy-Rea and Anne Swisher).
Purpose: The aim of this project was to assess lung cancer survivors at transition from active medical treatment to survivorship for needs that may be amenable to physical therapy interventions.
Methods: All persons diagnosed with stage 1-3 lung cancer who had completed active treatment (surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy) at the participating centers were interviewed and asked to indicate the presence and severity of their concern regarding common issues in cancer survivors. A physical therapist performed a history and brief physical examination as part of a multidisciplinary team clinic visit. The team also included occupational therapy, nutrition, social services, supportive care and navigation personnel. Persons with issues felt to be amenable to physical therapy intervention received referrals for services in their home communities as part of their individualized survivorship plan.
Results: To date a total of 52 persons (59% female, mean age 65 yrs, range 43-88 yrs) have been assessed, attended the clinic and had survivorship plans created. Twenty-two of these (42%) received recommendations for physical therapy services following assessment. Fatigue was the most commonly rated concern of survivors (48%), followed by breathing difficulty (46%) and concerns about exercise/physical activity (46%). Pain (42%) and concerns about balance/falling (42%) were also frequent concerns of survivors. The physical therapist recommended outpatient treatment most often (82%), followed by home-based services (14%) or structured pulmonary rehabilitation program (4%).
Conclusion(s): Survivors of lung cancer have high rates of self-reported difficulties with mobility, breathing, fatigue and balance. Physical therapy services to address these concerns were deemed appropriate for 90% of these persons. Without participation in this unique multidisciplinary program, many participants would not have received indicated and medically appropriate services.
Implications: Lung cancer survivors frequently report physical mobility concerns, such as fatigue, imbalance and breathing difficulties, that can be addressed through physical therapy interventions. Many survivors also have concerns about appropriate exercise and physical activity. It is important that physical therapists recognize the needs of these individuals to help improve the quality of their lives.
Keywords: balance, breathing, physical activity
Funding acknowledgements: This project is supported by a grant from the Bristol-Meyers-Squibb Foundation (co-PIs Stephenie Kennedy-Rea and Anne Swisher).
Topic: Oncology, HIV & palliative care; Cardiorespiratory
Ethics approval required: Yes
Institution: West Virginia University
Ethics committee: Institutional Review Board for Protection of Human Subjects
Ethics number: 1612405699
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
