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Education Needs of Dutch Physical Therapists for the Treatment of Patients With Advanced Cancer: A Mixed Methods Study: A Mixed Methods Study

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Title: Education Needs of Dutch Physical Therapists for the Treatment of Patients With Advanced Cancer: A Mixed Methods Study: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: ten Tusscher, Marieke R., Groen, Wim G., Geleijn, Edwin, Berkelaar, Dagmar, Aaronson, Neil K., Stuiver, Martijn M.
Source: Physical therapy. 100(3):477-486
Publisher Information: American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), 2020.
Publication Year: 2020
Subject Terms: Bone Neoplasms/rehabilitation, Surveys and Questionnaires, Physical Therapists/education, Uncertainty, Humans, Interdisciplinary Communication, Clinical Competence, Focus Groups, Neoplasms/pathology, Needs Assessment, Qualitative Research, Netherlands
Description: BACKGROUND: The survival rates for patients with advanced cancer have increased over time. Many patients experience symptoms and functional limitations that impair activities of daily living and limit quality of life. A number of these health problems are amenable to physical therapist treatment. However, physical therapists caring for patients with advanced cancer require special training and skills. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess the educational needs and clinical uncertainties of Dutch physical therapists in relation to treatment of patients with advanced cancer. DESIGN: This was a mixed methods study. METHODS: A survey and 2 focus groups were conducted among physical therapists working in primary care who had previously received at least basic oncology training. RESULTS: A total of 162 physical therapists completed the survey. The most frequently reported educational needs were related to effective interprofessional collaboration (61.7%), knowledge of medical treatment (49.4%), and current evidence on physical therapist interventions in this population (49.4%). In the focus groups, physical therapists (n = 17) voiced uncertainties about treating patients with bone metastases, setting realistic goals, when and how to end a treatment episode, interprofessional collaboration, finding and using evidence, and using clinimetrics. CONCLUSION: These results support the need for specific education programs for physical therapists working with advanced cancer patients to increase the availability of high-quality oncology rehabilitation for this population.
Document Type: Article
Language: English
ISSN: 1538-6724
0031-9023
DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzz172
Access URL: https://pure.amsterdamumc.nl/en/publications/c7f5787a-3e25-4182-88f8-428bc0dadf2c
Rights: taverne
Accession Number: edsair.od.....11183..5c7e78f40d790065b9dc9dc1fba8d4fc
Database: OpenAIRE
Description
Abstract:BACKGROUND: The survival rates for patients with advanced cancer have increased over time. Many patients experience symptoms and functional limitations that impair activities of daily living and limit quality of life. A number of these health problems are amenable to physical therapist treatment. However, physical therapists caring for patients with advanced cancer require special training and skills. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess the educational needs and clinical uncertainties of Dutch physical therapists in relation to treatment of patients with advanced cancer. DESIGN: This was a mixed methods study. METHODS: A survey and 2 focus groups were conducted among physical therapists working in primary care who had previously received at least basic oncology training. RESULTS: A total of 162 physical therapists completed the survey. The most frequently reported educational needs were related to effective interprofessional collaboration (61.7%), knowledge of medical treatment (49.4%), and current evidence on physical therapist interventions in this population (49.4%). In the focus groups, physical therapists (n = 17) voiced uncertainties about treating patients with bone metastases, setting realistic goals, when and how to end a treatment episode, interprofessional collaboration, finding and using evidence, and using clinimetrics. CONCLUSION: These results support the need for specific education programs for physical therapists working with advanced cancer patients to increase the availability of high-quality oncology rehabilitation for this population.
ISSN:15386724
00319023
DOI:10.1093/ptj/pzz172