[Barriers in the Application Process for Oncological Rehabilitation: Results of a Qualitative Expert Survey]

In this study, which was funded by the German Federal Pension Fund (DRV), barriers in the application process for oncological rehabilitation services were examined from the perspective of various expert groups.

In an exploratory multicentre qualitative cross-sectional study 61 semi-structured interviews with experts working in oncological care were conducted: Physicians (n=26), social workers (n=22), psychologists/psycho-oncologists (n=6), nurses/medical assistants (n=5), administrative staff of the DRV (n=2). In guided interviews the participants were asked about their experiences with rehabilitation applications as well as their estimations and evaluations regarding possible reasons for non-utilisation. The evaluation of the interviews was computerized and based on the qualitative content analysis by Mayring.

The respondents had an average age of 52.51 years (SD=10.06; min=25, max=71) and were working in the consultation or treatment of oncological patients for an average of 19.26 years (SD=10.15; min=1, max=42). In total, 854 statements were coded and assigned to the following three main categories: expert-related, system-related and patient-related barriers. In the first main category, scepticism about the benefits of rehabilitation services and an insufficiently met need for information on the part of experts became the focus of attention. In the main category of system-related barriers, aspects were mentioned that addressed the application procedure, the low availability of, for example, outpatient rehabilitation services and the absence of a functioning referral system. The main category of patient-related barriers included psychosocial factors such as subcategories on the topic of coping with the disease which include the patient's desire to come home, experience everyday life again and the fear of being confronted with the disease.

The exploratory study revealed potential barriers in the application process for oncological rehabilitation services from an expert perspective. In particular, the findings form the basis for a multi-dimensional assessment instrument that can be used to analyze the barriers in a standardised way and to derive individual recommendations for action.