Excellent findings for Oncology Rehab Program from unique study
St John of God Bendigo Hospital’s Oncology Rehabilitation Coordinator and physiotherapist Kathryn Rorke, in collaboration with Dr Michael Leach, (Data and Quality Specialist from the Loddon Mallee Integrated Cancer Service), recently completed a study looking at St John of God Bendigo’s Multidisciplinary Outpatient Oncology Rehabilitation program.
22 Nov 2017
22 November 2017
The study asked the question “Does this model meet the needs of cancer survivors?” and the findings were extremely positive and reassuring in demonstrating the merits of the program.
Using five different measures, the research concluded that cancer survivors’ physical, functional and psychosocial health outcomes improved significantly from before to following completion of the ST John of God Bendigo Hospital Oncology Rehabilitation Program.
No known studies have been done that look at the benefit of individualised group outpatient oncology rehabilitation programs that combine exercise and education from multiple allied health disciplines to treat a group of mixed cancer diagnosis and cancer stages. This is the first of its kind.
"The model that we use for the Oncology Rehabilitation Program is a multidisciplinary program. It not only looks at diet and exercise but psychological and social outcomes as well. It takes place in a group environment but each participant has an individualised program,” said Ms Rorke.
Ms Rorke said the study also looked at participant demographics, as well as their common treatment side effects and comorbidities.
The results of the study have been presented at four conferences this year, including a poster presentation at the Adelaide Cancer Survivorship Conference and an invited presentation at the Older People with Cancer Forum, (convened by Safer Care Victoria – the peak state authority for leading quality and safety improvement in healthcare).
“There are not many rehab programs like this on offer. In the Loddon Mallee region, we are the only one at this time that offers a group style rehabilitation program," Ms Rorke said.
“At the beginning of the eight week program we do an initial assessment to get a baseline and then we can progress the patient appropriately. We teach them how to get started and what exercises to do. Following completion of the program we do another assessment to look at outcomes and whether the patient’s own goals have been met.
"Evidence shows that exercise during cancer treatment can reduce treatment side effects. Following treatment, patients can have ongoing issues with reduced strength, stamina and fatigue. They can also be dealing with the impact that a cancer diagnosis has had on their life. Rehabilitation can assist with optimising health and wellbeing."
Patients need to be referred by their doctor to the Oncology Rehabilitation Program. They will need to check their private health cover but it is generally paid for by hospital based cover for private patients.
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