Physical rehabilitation practices for children and adolescents with cancer in Canada

Abstract

Purpose: Children and adolescents with cancer who undergo cancer treatment are at high risk of developing adverse effects, many of which may be amenable to physical rehabilitation. We aimed to identify the current clinical physical rehabilitation practice patterns, services, and programmes available for children and adolescents with cancer in Canada. Method: A cross-sectional survey in English and French was conducted. Participants were health care professionals (HCPs) who provided physical rehabilitation services to children and adolescents with cancer in Canada. The survey included questions on the HCPs’ practice patterns and the programmes and services they provided. Results: A total of 35 HCPs responded: 27 physical therapists (77%), 6 occupational therapists (17%), 1 exercise professional (3%), and 1 speech-language pathologist (3%). Overall, they reported activity limitations, alterations in motor performance, muscle weakness, peripheral neuropathy, and fatigue as the top priorities for rehabilitation services. HCPs believed that interventions were valuable in reducing the burden of cancer effects; however, issues such as space, resources, and lack of clinical practice guidelines were viewed as barriers to providing services. Conclusions: Paediatric oncology rehabilitation services exist in some regions in Canada. HCPs strongly support the need to develop clinical practice guidelines for paediatric oncology rehabilitation.