Physical Therapy Is an Underutilized Health Resource for Children with Cancer: A Retrospective Study Identifies...

Purpose: Childhood cancers are the cause of treatment-associated morbidities, impairing functional mobility, participation and quality of life. Physical therapy is known to have a positive impact on health and well-being. Unfortunately, physical therapy is not utilized to its capacity. Thus, the aim of our study is to assess variables that facilitate utilization of physical therapy for children with oncological diagnoses across the continuum of care. Methods: A retrospective observational study of medical records was completed for children who received care at a large medical system. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regressions were performed. Results: Record review identified 16,975 episodes of care for 693 children. Of the 16,975, 240 included a referral to physical therapy. Of the 240, 178 used physical therapy. Presence of pain (odds ratio (OR) 20.026, p < 0.001), and being prescribed Ifosfamide or Daunorubicin (OR 28.213, p < 0.001; OR 15.439, p < 0.001, respectively) increased the likelihood of using physical therapy. Conclusions: We confirmed that physical therapy is underutilized for children with oncological diagnoses. However, clinical and socioeconomic variables were identified that facilitate use of physical therapy.