Purpose
This study aims to understand experiences, barriers and facilitators participating in PA of people undergoing chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer, their carers and staff.
Issue
Cancer is a leading cause of death and disability. Physical activity (PA) may improve treatment side-effects, cancer outcomes, utilisation of healthcare services and quality-of-life. Despite this, people are insufficiently active during chemotherapy.
Nature and Scope
Participants currently undergoing outpatient chemotherapy in the ACT, their carers and staff completed an interview or focus group; and a questionnaire. Qualitative data was analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Quantitative data classified activity status and supported qualitative responses. Barriers to PA were mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework; capability, opportunity, motivation model of behaviour model (COM-B) and behaviour change wheel (BCW).
Outcome
Participants(n=73) from the three ACT chemotherapy centres were involved (undergoing chemotherapy=23, carers=10, staff=40). Themes include PA is part of life, ‘It’s all too much’, Physical capability, tailored access to services, organisational design and resources, workforce sustainability, a desire for PA to be integrated and inconsistent education. Overall, staff (nursing=21, medical=5, allied health(AH)=14) believed PA during chemotherapy was important but reported challenges to encouraging PA. Overall people undergoing chemotherapy were insufficiently active (83%) and did not meet resistance exercise frequency guidelines (78%). 78% of people reported a decline in their PA during chemotherapy and 91% of people wanted to be more active.
Conclusion
There are opportunities to improve PA and experience the health benefits in people undergoing chemotherapy by improving education opportunities, developing or expanding services and support structures to ensure equitable and tailored access.