Advancing the implementation of quality-assured oncological exercise therapy in Germany: protocol for the IMPLEMENT...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Exercise Science
• Healthcare Implementation Science

Background:

• Quality-assured oncological exercise therapy (qOET) is effective for cancer patients but not standard care in Germany.
• A multi-institutional collaboration (IMPLEMENT project) aims to address this gap.
• Barriers and facilitators to qOET implementation are being investigated across diverse settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key barriers and facilitators for qOET implementation in Germany.
• To develop and evaluate tailored implementation strategies (IPS) for different contexts (urban, rural, adult, pediatric).
• To promote the wider dissemination and integration of qOET into standard cancer care.

Main Methods:

• Exploratory study with a quasi-experimental, mixed-methods design.
• Qualitative and quantitative data collection from healthcare institutions.
• Development, implementation, and evaluation of context-specific IPS, including interface management, training, and digital support.

Main Results:

• The study is designed to measure the impact of IPS by assessing the increase in the number of cancer patients receiving qOET.
• Findings will inform the development of adaptable strategies for broader application.

Conclusions:

• The IMPLEMENT project aims to overcome barriers to qOET implementation in Germany.
• Successful IPS will be disseminated for wider adoption, contributing to the integration of qOET into standard cancer care.
• The project seeks to improve long-term outcomes for cancer patients through enhanced exercise therapy access.