Deconditioning in Hospitalized Patients with Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Geriatrics
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Hospital-associated deconditioning (HAD) is a significant concern for hospitalized patients, particularly those with cancer.
• Cancer patients are uniquely vulnerable to HAD due to the nature of their diagnosis and treatment side effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of hospital-associated deconditioning in cancer patients.
• To identify risk factors, trajectory, and consequences of HAD in this population.
• To discuss interdisciplinary roles, best practices, and nursing implications for preventing HAD.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar.
• Keywords included "Hospital*", "Mobility", "Immobility", "Deconditioning", "Cancer", and "Oncology".
• Peer-reviewed research, review articles, and professional organization guidelines were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Thirty-eight references were synthesized, highlighting HAD as a widespread issue with severe outcomes.
• Physical activity and standardized mobility assessments are crucial for preventing HAD.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration is essential for effective HAD prevention strategies.

Conclusions:

• Enhancing mobility in hospitalized cancer patients is vital for mitigating HAD complications.
• Nurses play a pivotal role in assessing mobility, identifying risks, and implementing interventions.
• Barriers such as staff shortages and high workloads can impede nurses' ability to promote mobility.