Physiotherapy and Exercise Management of People Undergoing Surgery for Lung Cancer: A Survey of Current Practice across Australia and New Zealand

Whish-Wilson, GA; Edbrooke, L; Cavalheri, V; Denehy, L; Seller, D; Granger, CL; Parry, SM

Author(s): Whish-Wilson, GA; Edbrooke, L; Cavalheri, V; Denehy, L; Seller, D; Granger, CL; Parry, SM;
Details: Publication Year 2023-03-09,Volume 12,Issue #6,Page 2146
Journal Title: Journal of Clinical Medicine
Publication Type: Research article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Moderate- to high-certainty evidence supports the benefits of pre- and post-operative exercise for people undergoing surgical resection for lung cancer. Despite this, exercise programs are not commonly provided. Previous data regarding exercise practices are a decade old. Therefore, this study aimed to understand current exercise practices in surgical lung cancer care in Australia and New Zealand. METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey of Australian and New Zealand allied health professionals specialising in exercise-based interventions was carried out. Survey development and reporting adhered to CHERRIES and CROSS checklists. Institutions with thoracic surgery departments were invited to participate via email, and additional responses were sought via snowballing. RESULTS: The response rate was 81%, with a total of 70 health services responding. A total of 18 (26%) pre-operative services, 59 (84%) inpatient post-operative services, and 39 (55%) community/outpatient post-operative services were identified. Only eight (11%) services provided a pre-operative exercise program. Half of the respondents referred less than 25% of patients to community/outpatient exercise programs on hospital discharge. Respondents reported that their clinical management was predominantly influenced by established workplace practices and personal experience rather than evidence. CONCLUSIONS: The availability and uptake of pre- and post-operative exercise remain low, and work should continue to make pre/post-operative exercise training usual practice.
Publisher: MDPI
Keywords: cross-sectional survey; exercise; lung cancer; physiotherapy; thoracic surgery
Department(s): Health Services Research
PubMed ID: 36983146
Publisher's Version: https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12062146
Open Access at Publisher's Site: https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12062146
Terms of Use/Rights Notice: Refer to copyright notice on published article.

Creation Date: 2023-08-07 07:16:23

Last Modified: 2023-08-07 07:17:40