Evaluating cancer rehabilitation services: Insight from Australia and New Zealand

Background: Despite evidence supporting the benefits of rehabilitation for cancer survivors, the nature of cancer rehabilitation programs is inadequately described in Australia and New Zealand. This study provides insight into current service delivery and challenges for healthcare systems in implementation of cancer rehabilitation programs. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of directors of public and private rehabilitation services in hospital and ambulatory settings across Australia and New Zealand using the Australasian Rehabilitation Outcomes Centre (AROC) registry evaluated the current delivery of cancer rehabilitation programs, health professional workforce, core care components delivered, barriers and facilitators to service delivery, and unit/organisation-wide cancer rehabilitation activities. Descriptive statistics analyzed quantitative data, and qualitative analyses interpreted item responses. Results: Of the 300 services, 102 (34%) participants completed the survey. Most services provide non-dedicated cancer rehabilitation programs (n=63), led by rehabilitation physicians, followed by allied health. The common tumour streams referred included central nervous system (67%, n=56), haematological (59%, n=49), prostate (58%, n=48), and lung cancers (58%, n=48). Patients were frequently referred during post-treatment (87%, n=72) and treatment phases (66%, n=55). Core program components were multimodal exercises, fatigue management strategies, and management of medical complications and medications. The main barriers and facilitators toward the uptake of cancer rehabilitation programs were identified. Key activities in education, research, advocacy, and clinical practice improvement were also highlighted. Conclusions: The survey identified key barriers and facilitators for the implementation of cancer rehabilitation programs. Collaborative efforts of relevant stakeholders, clinicians, consumers, and policymakers need to address barriers to broader implementation of cancer rehabilitation services.