Cancer-related outcomes in oncology patients admitted to physical rehabilitation facilities.

Abstract

e18643 Background: Admission to a physical rehabilitation facility (RF) can improve mobility and quality of life metrics in cancer patients, however, limited data exist on how these admissions impact cancer-related outcomes. We hypothesized that admissions to a RF following hospitalization delays cancer-directed treatment and increases mortality compared to those who are discharged home. Methods: A retrospective chart review identified oncology patients who were being treated with either intravenous or subcutaneous cancer-directed therapy between 2010-2020 and admitted to either a RF or home following hospitalization. Exclusion criteria were patients not on active cancer-directed treatment or going to hospice. Comparisons of RF vs. home were made using a chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test for categorical outcomes. Median days to next chemotherapy for each group were assessed with Kaplan-Meier/Product-Limit Estimates with a corresponding 95% confidence interval. Results: Of 189 patients, 24 were admitted to a RF and 165 went home. The median age of the study population was 65.6 years, with more males (66.7%) admitted to a RF vs. discharged home (49.7%), and both groups having >50% advanced stage cancer; primarily GI malignancies (25.9%) (Table). There was a statistically significant increase in the percent of patients who experienced delays in the time to their next anticipated chemotherapy date in the RF group vs. home (70.8% vs. 30.3%, P<0.0001), as well as median days to next chemotherapy (38.5 vs. 22, P<0.007). 30-day readmission rates were higher in patients at a RF vs. home (50% vs 29%, P<0.04). There were no significant differences in mortality comparing RF vs. home at 3, 6, or 12 months from the index inpatient hospitalization. Conclusions: Hospitalized oncology patients who were admitted to a RF had significant delays in cancer-directed therapy. Despite the smaller sample size of patients in a RF, their 30-day readmission rates were higher, suggesting a need to carefully select patients who can afford delays in cancer treatment.[Table: see text]