A Home-based Exercise Intervention for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Post-Thoracotomy

Abstract

Objectives: There are no evidenced-based rehabilitative guidelines for postsurgical non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. This qualitative study provides evidence on the acceptability of an effective postsurgical exercise intervention targeting the self-management of cancer-related fatigue to fill this gap.

Data sources: Qualitative perspective of 37 individuals randomized to a 6-week exercise program following hospital discharge post-thoracotomy for NSCLC.

Conclusion: Postsurgical NSCLC participants found this rehabilitative exercise intervention highly acceptable because it removed traditional barriers to exercise.

Implication for nursing practice: A highly acceptable and effective solution for meeting the unmet rehabilitative support needs of NSCLC patients has broader implications for extension to other vulnerable, aging, deconditioned populations.

Keywords: cancer-related fatigue; exercise; lung cancer; qualitative research; rehabilitation; surgery; symptoms.