Patients' experiences of physical therapy within palliative cancer care

Few studies have analyzed patients' experiences of physical therapy within palliative cancer care.

To describe how patients with incurable cancer experience physical therapy.

Seventeen patients were interviewed. Data was analyzed according to a contextual analysis within a phenomenographic approach.

Two aspects were identified: "clear and satisfactory" and "unclear and unsatisfactory". Descriptive categories were: "participation", "motivation and encouragement", "independence", "relief and well-being", "security and hope", "unclear part of the care", and "insufficient number of interventions". "Participation" was a core category interrelated with patient satisfaction.

Physical therapy was important: it enabled independence, provided relief from distressing symptoms, and offered support. However, communication and coordination within the palliative care team has to improve if it is to minimize the negative impact of symptom distress on patient well-being and quality of life. Also, physical therapists must develop strategies for patient empowerment and methods for assessing and evaluating qualitative aspects of physical therapy in palliative cancer care.