Awareness and Knowledge of Cancer Rehabilitation Among Medical Resident Doctors: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer and its problems are on a rise. The role of physiotherapy in cancer is well established, but awareness among doctors and residents is not clear. The purpose of the study was to find the awareness and knowledge of physiotherapy and cancer rehabilitation among medical resident doctors. Methods: A Google self-designed Questionnaire was generated, which was circulated via whatsapp in different medical groups. The questionnaires took 5-10 minutes to complete. Descriptive analysis was done in Google spread sheet. Results: 94.1% of the medical resident doctors reported that they are aware about physiotherapy. Only 54.1% of medical resident doctors were aware of cancer rehabilitation. Of them, 91.3% had knowledge about cancer physiotherapy. They had knowledge that the following symptoms could be improved by physiotherapy - range of motion (87%), pain (87%), decreased muscle strength and fatigue (80.4%) in post cancer patients and were unaware about role in weight loss, depression, reduced quality of life. 36.9% resident doctors were unaware about physiotherapy for lymphedema. 93.5% medical resident doctors knew that exercise therapy can be given, only 50% knew that electrotherapy may be given.10.9% medical resident doctors are unaware about improved quality of life by physiotherapy treatment in cancer patients. Conclusion: Awareness about physiotherapy and cancer rehabilitation among residents is moderate. There is a need to educate medical resident doctors about fields of cancer rehabilitation or cancer physiotherapy, treatment and education programs. Keywords: Awareness, cancer rehabilitation, knowledge, doctors