Abstract
BackgroundPhysical activity rates in cancer survivors continue to be low despite the known benefits and availability of evidence-based programs. LIVESTRONG at the Y is a national community-based physical activity program offered cost-free to cancer survivors, though is underutilized. We explored perceptions and experiences of staff and participating survivors to better understand program awareness, referrals and participation.MethodsLIVESTRONG at the Y program staff [directors (n = 16), instructors (n = 4)] and survivors (n = 8) from 8 United States YMCAs took part in 30-min semi-structured phone interviews between March–May 2019. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, and evaluated using a thematic analysis approach.ResultsProgram staff themes included: 1) Program awareness should be further developed for both the general public and medical providers; 2) Strong relationships with medical providers increased program referrals; 3) Electronic referral systems between providers and LIVESTRONG would help to streamline the referral process; and 4) Bi-directional communication between program staff and medical providers is key to providing patient progress updates. Survivor themes included: 1) Survivors trust their medical team and the information they provide about physical activity; 2) Providers need to incorporate an action plan and referrals for survivors to be active once treatments are completed; and 3) Personal experiences of those who participated in LIVESTRONG resonate with survivors and increase participation.ConclusionsLIVESTRONG staff reported the need for an integrated electronic referral system and bi-directional communication with providers about participant progress. Survivors want physical activity education, electronic referrals and follow-up from their healthcare team, coupled with peer support from other survivors. Cancer care provider knowledge and electronic referrals during and after treatment may expedite and increase participation in this community-based program.
Highlights
Physical activity rates in cancer survivors continue to be low despite the known benefits and availability of evidence-based programs
4 themes emerged: 1) Program awareness should be further developed for both the general public and medical providers; 2) Strong relationships with medical providers increased program referrals; 3) Electronic referral systems between providers and LIVESTRONG would help to streamline the referral process; and 4) Bi-directional communication between program staff and medical providers is key to providing patient progress updates
Bi-directional feedback between program staff and medical providers is key to providing patient progress updates Program directors reported wanting to provide feedback to providers in real-time, using an electronic platform in an ideal referral scenario: “... thinking about some kind of platform, too, that really allowed a provider to see what their patient is doing, kinda almost in real time, some kind of electronic system so that it doesn’t have to be this fax and call and things of that nature...”
Summary
Physical activity rates in cancer survivors continue to be low despite the known benefits and availability of evidence-based programs. The American Cancer Society and the American College of Sports Medicine recommend that cancer survivors aim to achieve 150 min of moderate physical activity per week [3, 4]. Despite these recommendations, less than 30% of survivors are meeting physical activity guidelines [5]. The Institute of Medicine recommends cancer survivorship care plans be provided to all patients, with information on lifestyle recommendations and physical activity prescriptions plus referrals [7]. To be effective, these referrals should ideally connect survivors to affordable, accessible resources
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