Feasibility of a prospective physiotherapy model of care during the intense treatment phase of childhood cancer (FITChild): A mixed methods design.

Abstract

Children diagnosed with cancer often develop significant physical treatment-related side effects. This study evaluated the feasibility of a targeted, proactive, individualised physiotherapy intervention programme for children with a recent cancer diagnosis. This feasibility study was a single-group mixed methods study, consisting of pre- and post-intervention assessment, followed by a survey and interviews of parents. Participants were children and adolescents with a new cancer diagnosis. The physiotherapy model of care consisted of education, surveillance, standardised assessment, individually tailored exercise and a fitness tracker. All participants (n=14) completed over 75% of the supervised exercise sessions. No safety or adverse events occurred. Over the 8-week intervention period, an average of 7.5 supervised sessions were completed per participant. The overall experience provided by the physiotherapist service was rated as excellent by 86% (n=12) and very good by 14% (n=2) of parents. All parents surveyed (n=14) rated the level of support provided by the physiotherapy service as excellent, and all participants completed the standardised assessments pre- and post-exercise intervention. There was a significant improvement in 6MWD from 240m (SD 193m) compared to 355m (SD 115m) (p=.015), as well as improvements in the Physical Function domain (p=.013) and combined Psychosocial and Physical Function domains (p=.030). A prospective structured and targeted physiotherapy model of care appears feasible for use with children and families in the acute phase of cancer treatment. The regular screening was acceptable and may have helped build a strong rapport between the physiotherapist and the families.