Latrobe Valley exercise and cancer program COSA poster presentation 2023
‘A collaborative approach to provide prescriptive exercise outside of the healthcare setting’.
Background
Exercise programs have shown to provide both physical and psychological benefits to cancer patients and provide a valuable role in supporting cancer patients to return to function and wellbeing (1). Lack of structured services in Gippsland, have limited the patient’s ability to access these programs.
Aim
Implement a standardised exercise program for oncology patients in the Latrobe Valley and assess its potential transferability to other regions in Gippsland.
Methods
A multidisciplinary working group of exercise physiologists (EP), oncology health professionals and council-run leisure centre fitness professionals developed a prescriptive exercise program with an appropriate and sustainable pathway.
A simple referral pathway was developed with the support of Latrobe Regional Health, which was easily accessible, enabling participants to self-refer as well as allowing clinical referral.
Exercise Physiologists in Gippsland were provided with support to upskill by attending a course in the delivery of a cancer specific accredited exercise program.
The Exercise and Cancer Program was delivered by Exercise Physiologists from Latrobe Community Health Service (LCHS), with the support of Allied Health Assistants and Latrobe Leisure Morwell fitness professionals.
Care Coordinators from LCHS were referred to, as required, by the EP following the initial assessment.
Results
100% of participants improved on at least one of their physical tests and all participants improved on one of their subjective measures. The subjective measures provide critical information regarding fatigue symptoms, depression and anxiety and their feelings of self-worth.
This program has supported results found in literature, though how this program sets itself apart is in the addition of a critical component, care coordinators. This implementation effectively decreases in social and mental health burdens on health services.
Traveling long distances by car to receive adequate care causes additional stress and burden. Ensuring Latrobe Valley residents have access to an exercise and cancer program locally is necessary.
Participant feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Much of this feedback relates to the psycho-social support provided and the benefits of healthcare supported exercise outside of a healthcare service.
Conclusion
Collaboration between healthcare services and leisure centres is necessary to ensure sustainable exercise programs for oncology patients, outside of the healthcare service. Participants value the support of health professionals in a facility other than a healthcare service and feel a sense of belonging to a social group.
We thank our participants for their commitment to this program
Authors
Donna O’Callaghan 1, Renee Jones 2, Jordan McMillan 3, Mathilda Orht 3, Phillip Jamieson 3, Mahesh Iddawela 5, Michelle Brock 5
1 Gippsland Regional Integrated Cancer Service, Traralgon, Victoria, Australia
2 Latrobe City Council’s Latrobe Leisure Morwell, Victoria, Australia
3 Latrobe Community Health Service, Morwell, Victoria Australia
4 Latrobe Regional Health, Traralgon, Victoria, Australia
Reference
- Cormie P, Atkinson M, Bucci L, Cust A, Eakin E, Hayes S, et al. Clinical oncology society of Australia position statement on exercise in cancer care. Med J Aust. 2018;209(4):184–187
