ID-5184 Wonca Abstracts supplement L-Z 13-10-23 - Flipbook - Page 17
WONCA 2023 Supplement 2: WONCA 2023 abstracts (L–Z)
L
M
N
Improving physical activity interventions for cancer
survivors in general practice: A mixed-methods study
O
Dr Renae Lawrence1, Kerry Uebel1, Terri Byrne3, Sonia Markoff3, Kylie Vuong2
P
3
1
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
School of Population Health, UNSW, 2School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University,
Primary Care Collaborative Cancer Clinical Trials Group
Background
Cancer survivors are at increased risk of long-term morbidity. Modifying lifestyle behaviours, in
particular physical activity, can improve morbidity associated with the physical and psychological
sequelae of cancer. However, many survivors do not receive comprehensive healthy lifestyle
recommendations. General practitioners (GPs) are appropriately placed to provide holistic care, such
as physical activity interventions, but the practicalities within the Australian setting remain unknown.
Method
We used a mixed-methods study design to explore the role of general practice in implementing
physical activity interventions for cancer survivors, including the barriers and enablers. GPs were
asked to complete a survey before a semistructured interview. The survey explored preferences of
possible interventions arising from the findings of a realist review. The interview explored the role of
general practice in physical activity interventions for cancer survivors and was underpinned by the
Theoretical Domain Framework. Interview data were analysed inductively and deductively.
Results
We recruited 17 GPs who completed the study. Most GPs perceived physical activity promotion as an
integral and appropriate part of their work. Greater engagement with physical activity promotion was
reported to be influenced by patient mindset and interest, access to services, premorbid condition,
support and early intervention within cancer care. Barriers included cost, time constraints, patient
physical capacity, perception of exercise as a treatment and a lack of knowledge/evidence.
Discussion
Physical activity promotion for cancer survivors in primary care is influenced by individual and cultural
contexts, cancer-related factors, health system issues and healthcare support needs. These factors
should be considered when designing models of care which support sustained behavioural change
and can be integrated into existing standard holistic patient care. This study forms important preimplementation work for a physical activity intervention that will be tailored to the needs of cancer
survivors in general practice.
15