Objectives
Exercise is an important supportive therapy for cancer survivors, but availability and uptake of services is highly variable. Group exercise options may be an effective and affordable service option for many patients but are not routinely accessible. Primary objective: Capture and evaluate the unique experiences of people living with and beyond cancer (PLWBC), oncology medical providers (OMPs) and exercise professionals (EPs), regarding exercise engagement and service provision in cancer care. Secondary objective: Explore participants' perspectives on how to make community-based group exercise programs accessible, engaging, and inclusive of diverse needs and preferences.
Sample/setting
This mixed methods study employed descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis of focus groups and one-on-one interviews. PLWBC were recruited from the community and OMPs/EPs recruited from public hospitals and community-based settings in NSW, Australia.
Procedures
PLWBC participated in online focus groups, while OMPs and EPs, took part in one-on-one interviews. Discussions focused on exercise engagement post-diagnosis, the quality of exercise advice received, personal and system-level factors affecting referral and adherence, and suggestions for improving service delivery. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes.
Results
Fifteen PLWBC, 7 OMPs and 2 EPs participated. Four main themes emerged: Exercise advice post-diagnosis: A desire for clarity; Falling through the cracks: Challenges in providing coordinated exercise advice; Being set up for success: Influences on exercise engagement; and Group exercise: Designing the ideal fit. Both PLWBC and OMPs highlighted the importance of timely and consistent guidance, including accurate and available resources. Tailored support and adaptability within group settings were viewed as essential for meeting diverse needs effectively. Participants expressed a preference for a hybrid delivery model combining in-person and online group exercise sessions.
Conclusions/clinical implications
The findings provide rich data and actionable insights for improving access to exercise services and developing patient-centred exercise options after a cancer diagnosis.