How receptive are patients with late stage cancer to rehabilitation services and what are the sources of their resistance?

Publication date: Available online 31 August 2016
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Andrea L. Cheville, Lori Rhudy, Jeffrey R. Basford, Joan M. Griffin, Ann Marie Flores
ObjectiveTo describe the proportion and characteristics of patients with late stage cancer that are and are not receptive to receiving rehabilitation services, as well as the rationale for their level of interest.SettingA comprehensive cancer center in a Northcentral US quaternary medical centerDesignA prospective mixed methods studyParticipants311 adults with Stage IIIC or IV non-small cell or extensive stage small cell lung cancer.InterventionsNot applicableMain Outcome MeasuresTelephone acquired responses to the administration of: 1) the Activity Measure for Post Acute Care Computer Adaptive Test (AM-PAC-CAT); 2) Numerical rating scales for pain, dyspnea, fatigue, general emotional distress, and distress associated with functional limitations; 3) a query regarding receptivity to receipt of rehabilitation services, and 4) a query about rationale for non-receptivity.ResultsOverall 99 (31.8%) of the study's 311 participants expressed interest in receiving rehabilitation services; 38 at the time of enrollment and an additional 61 during at least one subsequent contact. Participants expressing interest were more likely to have a child as primary caregiver (18.18% vs. 9.91%, p = 0.04) and a musculoskeletal comorbidity (42.4% vs. 31.6%, p = 0.05). Function-related distress was highly associated with receptivity, as were lower AM-PAC-CAT scores. Reasons provided for lack of interest in receiving services included a perception of their limited benefit, being too busy, and prioritization below more pressing tasks/concerns.ConclusionsOne-third of patients with late stage lung cancer are likely to be interested in receiving rehabilitation services despite high levels of disability and related distress. These findings suggest that patient misperception of the role of rehabilitation services may be a barrier to improved function and quality of life. Efforts to educate patients on the benefits of rehabilitation and to more formally integrate rehabilitation as part of comprehensive care may curb these missed opportunities.



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