The Exercise Oncology Knowledge Mobilization Initiative: An International Modified Delphi Study

Area of Science:

• Exercise oncology
• Knowledge mobilization
• Cancer survivorship

Background:

• Exercise is crucial for cancer patients but poorly integrated into care.
• Knowledge mobilization (KM) is vital to improve exercise opportunities.
• Effective integration requires identifying and prioritizing research and KM themes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and refine key exercise oncology research and KM themes.
• To rank the importance of these themes for standardizing exercise in cancer care.
• To identify stakeholder alignment and discordance on priorities.

Main Methods:

• Modified Delphi study using an international stakeholder workshop and online surveys.
• Incorporated feedback from cancer survivors, HCPs, QEPs, policymakers, and researchers.
• Themes were rated, ranked, and agreement analyzed across stakeholder groups.

Main Results:

• Twelve exercise oncology research and KM themes were finalized.
• Top-ranked themes: QEP integration, HCP education, and program accessibility.
• Significant agreement on general theme rankings, but variability in specific order and differences between policymakers and others.

Conclusions:

• Findings guide initiatives to implement exercise as standard cancer care.
• Alignment on priorities is essential for successful integration.
• Further research needed to understand differing priorities across stakeholder groups.