Exercise in lung Cancer, the healthcare providers opinion (E.C.H.O.): Results of the EORTC lung cancer Group (LCG) survey

Abstract

Objectives: Exercise has been reported to alleviate disease as well as treatment impact in patients with lung cancer. Nevertheless, there is limited information available regarding the perception of lung cancer dedicated healthcare professionals' and their advice on exercise.

Materials and methods: An online survey exploring healthcare professionals' practice patterns, perceptions, barriers, and facilitators of exercise in patients with lung cancer was conducted within members of the EORTC Lung Cancer Group (LCG).

Results: One hundred forty-one healthcare providers completed the survey, mainly medical and radiation oncologists. Overall, 63% of the study participants declared that they frequently assessed exercise level in their patients, and 43% of them reinforced the importance of exercise. However, only 10% referred patients to an exercise program or specialist. Although the majority of the respondents had a positive perception regarding the benefits and safety of exercise (even in patients with advanced disease and/or bone metastasis), two-thirds of clinicians reported not having adequate training about exercise counselling. Moreover, 53% reported to lack of knowledge of guidelines referring to exercise in patients with cancer. Several obstacles and facilitators to improve exercise promotion in lung cancer care were identified.

Conclusion: Healthcare providers recognize the relevance and feasibility of exercise as part of cancer treatment intervention, but specific pathways to do the referral are frequently missing. Future structured and well-designed strategies and initiatives are needed to support an effective referral in order to implement exercise interventions routinely in clinical practice.

Keywords: Barriers; Clinicians; Current practice; Exercise; Facilitators; Lung cancer; Oncologist; Physical activity; Recommendation.