Promoting exercise for patients with multiple myeloma: attitudes and practices of clinical haematologists

To explore the attitudes and practices of clinical haematologists towards promoting physical activity (PA) and exercise for patients with multiple myeloma (MM).

Using a quantitative cross-sectional survey, clinical haematologists reported on the perceived benefits and acceptability of PA and exercise and frequency, confidence and barriers to providing exercise advice.

Clinical haematologists (n=34; 68% response rate), who cumulatively treated ~340 patients with MM each week, completed the survey. Almost all (97%) agreed that PA was important, with benefits for quality of life, activities of daily living, mental health and fatigue. Whilst 88% discussed PA at least occasionally with their patients, approximately two-thirds were not confident advising specific exercises (68%) or identifying PA resources (62%). Despite this, 44% never referred patients to exercise professionals, with 18% only doing so if the patient asked. Over half did not recommend exercise when patients had spine fractures or were physically unwell. No differences were observed in individual factors (age, gender, practice type and own PA participation) and promotion of PA.

Clinical haematologists perceive PA as important, but lack confidence on what exercise/s to recommend and if exercise is appropriate for specific disease complications. They tend to not refer patients to exercise professionals.

Patients with MM often suffer from symptoms and toxicities that may be alleviated through PA. However, PA participation rates are low. Support for clinical haematologists for when and how to discuss exercise, and clearer referral pathways to exercise professionals may improve PA uptake and hence ensure access to optimal care, thereby improving patient outcomes.