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. 2023 Jan 23;15(3):693.
doi: 10.3390/cancers15030693.

Advancing Pediatric Oncology Rehabilitation: Survey Findings of Health Professionals' Perceptions of Barriers to Care and a Framework for Action

Paula A Ospina  1 , Lesley Pritchard  1 , David D Eisenstat  2   3   4   5 , Margaret L McNeely  1   5   6
Affiliations

Advancing Pediatric Oncology Rehabilitation: Survey Findings of Health Professionals' Perceptions of Barriers to Care and a Framework for Action

Paula A Ospina et al. Cancers (Basel). .

Abstract

Purpose: To explore pediatric oncology referral practices, gather healthcare providers' perspectives of barriers to access and provision of rehabilitation service across Canada, and inform a framework for action to optimize rehabilitation care and inform future research.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with Canadian healthcare professionals (HCPs) working in pediatric oncology.

Results: A total of 54 responses were received, and 34 corresponded to HCPs who refer children with cancer to rehabilitation services. Results suggest that approximately 25% of children are referred to rehabilitation services, primarily when the child presents with, or is at risk of, significant functional disability due to surgery. A primary barrier to service provision identified across HCPs included a lack of funding and resources. Medical professionals further identified a lack of specialized pediatric oncology rehabilitation services, whereas rehabilitation professionals identified the lack of pediatric oncology specific space and equipment. Identified themes from open-ended survey questions include the need for (1) dedicated funding and resources, (2) improved access, and (3) the need for specialized pediatric oncology rehabilitation services.

Conclusion: Several barriers exist in the Canadian healthcare context that impact the delivery of rehabilitation services for children with cancer. We propose a framework for action to advance clinical care and guide future research.

Keywords: adolescent; barriers; cancer; framework; healthcare provider; pediatrics; physical therapy; referrals; rehabilitation.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow diagram of survey respondents.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Frequency of reported barriers to rehabilitation programs reported by the medical and rehabilitation teams.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Framework to advance clinical care and guide future research in pediatric oncology rehabilitation.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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