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An initiative to implement a triage and referral system to make exercise and rehabilitation referrals standard of care in oncology.

Authors :
Schmitz, Kathryn H.
Chongaway, Andrew
Saeed, Anwaar
Fontana, Toni
Wood, Kelley
Gibson, Susan
Trilk, Jennifer
Adsul, Prajakta
Baker, Stephen
Source :
Supportive Care in Cancer. Apr2024, Vol. 32 Issue 4, p1-9. 9p.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Background: Clinical guidelines suggest that patients should be referred to exercise while undergoing cancer treatment. Oncology clinicians report being supportive of exercise referrals but not having the time to make referrals. Toward the goal of making exercise referrals standard of care, we implemented and evaluated a novel clinical workflow. Methods: For this QI project, a rehabilitation navigator was inserted in chemotherapy infusion clinics. Patients were offered a validated electronic triage survey. Exercise or rehabilitation recommendations were communicated to patients during a brief counseling visit by the rehabilitation navigator. The implementation approach was guided by the EPIS framework. Acceptability and feasibility were assessed. Results: Initial meetings with nursing and cancer center leadership ensured buy-in (exploration). The education of medical assistants contributed to the adoption of the triage process (preparation). Audit and feedback ensured leadership was aware of medical assistants’ performance (implementation). 100% of medical assistants participated in implementing the triage tool. A total of 587 patients visited the infusion clinics during the 6-month period when this QI project was conducted. Of these, 501 (85.3%) were offered the triage survey and 391 (78%) completed the survey (acceptability). A total of 176 (45%) of triaged patients accepted a referral to exercise or rehabilitation interventions (feasibility). Conclusions: Implementation of a validated triage tool by medical assistants and brief counseling by a rehabilitation navigator resulted in 45% of infusion patients accepting a referral to exercise or rehabilitation. The triage process showed promise for making exercise referrals standard of care for patients undergoing cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
09414355
Volume :
32
Issue :
4
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Supportive Care in Cancer
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
176380780
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-024-08457-8