Experiences implementing a Radiation therapist-led oncology prehabilitation program during COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiotherapy
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Prehabilitation programs are increasingly recognized for their value in cancer care.
• Integrating prehabilitation into standard radiotherapy workflows presents logistical challenges.
• The role of allied health professionals in cancer prehabilitation needs further exploration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the value and feasibility of multi-modal prehabilitation prior to radiotherapy.
• To explore the role of Radiation Therapists in developing and delivering prehabilitation programs.
• To evaluate the impact of multi-disciplinary prehabilitation on the cancer patient experience and the safety and feasibility of online delivery.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a multi-modal prehabilitation program incorporating validated screening tools.
• Involvement of Radiation Therapists in program development and delivery.
• Assessment of patient experience and program feasibility through a multi-disciplinary approach.
• Evaluation of an online delivery model for the prehabilitation program.

Main Results:

• Multi-modal prehabilitation prior to radiotherapy was found to be valuable and achievable.
• Radiation Therapists demonstrated instrumental capabilities in developing prehabilitation programs.
• Multi-disciplinary care significantly influenced the patient's experience of cancer.
• Validated screening tools were easily incorporated into pre-radiotherapy assessments.
• Online delivery of the prehabilitation program proved feasible and safe.

Conclusions:

• Multi-modal prehabilitation is a valuable and achievable intervention for patients undergoing radiotherapy.
• Radiation Therapists are key members of the multidisciplinary team for implementing prehabilitation programs.
• Online delivery models offer a feasible and safe approach to prehabilitation, enhancing the cancer patient journey.