Qualitative exploration of cancer rehabilitation in South Wales, UK from the perspectives of people affected by cancer and healthcare professionals

Csontos, Judit ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4597-3052, Roche, Dominic and Watts, Tessa ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1201-5192 2019. Qualitative exploration of cancer rehabilitation in South Wales, UK from the perspectives of people affected by cancer and healthcare professionals. Presented at: NCRI 2019, Glasgow, UK, 3-5 November 2019.

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Abstract

Background: Physical and psychological consequences can develop as a result of cancer and its treatment affecting people's lives. Cancer rehabilitation services have been found to have positive effect on quality of life and managing side effects worldwide. However, accessibility and lack of information on services can serve as barriers leaving people with unmet rehabilitation needs. The aim of this study was to investigate the value, barriers, and facilitators of two cancer rehabilitation services in South Wales from the perspective of healthcare professionals and people affected by cancer. Methods: Audio recorded, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of healthcare professionals (n=20), and people affected by cancer (n=15) at two specialist cancer rehabilitation services in South Wales. The study was approved by London South – East Research Ethics Committee (17/LO/2123). Written informed consent was obtained from every participant. Both healthcare professionals and people affected by cancer were asked questions about the value, meaning, barriers and facilitators of cancer rehabilitation. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and reflexive thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke 2006) was used to identify themes in the data. Results: People affected by cancer (PABC) valued the expert knowledge, care and attention from healthcare professionals and the peer support during certain rehabilitation interventions. Exercise classes were highly regarded among PABC due to positive changes in their physical strength and mental health. However, accessibility and understaffing were addressed as barriers to service provision by both healthcare professionals and PABC. Lack of information on available services was reported by PABC, while healthcare professionals mentioned underfunding and cultural problems as barriers specific to them. Moreover, there was no consensus among participants on the meaning of rehabilitation, which could explain some of the barriers. Conclusion(s): The findings of this study indicate that cancer rehabilitation is highly valued by people affected by cancer. However, these services are not always available for everyone, due to barriers related to the healthcare system and people's own personal problems. Service promotion and education of both people affected by cancer and healthcare professionals may help in overcoming some of the barriers.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Poster)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Healthcare Sciences
Subjects:	R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC0254 Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology (including Cancer)
Last Modified:	23 Feb 2024 03:44
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/126543

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