An interprofessional palliative care oncology rehabilitation program: effects on function and predictors of program...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Palliative Care

Background:

• Patients with active cancer experience significant burdens from disease and treatment.
• The Palliative Rehabilitation Program (PRP) aims to reduce these burdens and enhance patient function.
• This study investigates predictors of PRP completion and functional changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate predictors of program completion in the Palliative Rehabilitation Program (PRP).
• To assess changes in functioning, symptoms, and well-being after the PRP.
• To identify factors influencing patient engagement and outcomes in cancer rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• 116 advanced cancer patients enrolled in an 8-week interprofessional PRP after completing anticancer therapy.
• Measures of physical, nutritional, social, and psychological functioning were assessed at program entry and completion.
• Program completion rates and predictors were analyzed, including C-reactive protein levels.

Main Results:

• Participants showed significant improvements in physical performance, nutrition, symptom severity and interference, and fatigue.
• Key improvements included enhanced physical endurance, mobility, and balance.
• Disease progression, geographic barriers, and death were reasons for non-completion; normal C-reactive protein (<10 mg/L) predicted completion.

Conclusions:

• The interprofessional PRP led to significant functional improvements for patients with advanced cancer.
• Normal C-reactive protein levels serve as a reliable predictor for successful PRP completion.
• PRP is an effective intervention for improving quality of life in cancer survivors.