Oncology Rehabilitation Provision and Practice Patterns across Canada

PURPOSE: Rehabilitation is increasingly recognized as an important therapeutic intervention for people with cancer. The main objective of this study was to explore the current practice pattern and provision of oncology rehabilitation in Canada. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional online survey was administered to Canadian facilities offering cancer treatment and/or listed as offering rehabilitation services during or after cancer treatment (cancer centres, rehabilitation hospitals, community centres, and private clinics). RESULTS: Of the 116 sites contacted, 62 completed the questionnaire, 20 of which reported having an oncology rehabilitation programme. The majority of respondents indicated that they are not meeting their clients' rehabilitation needs. Rehabilitation programmes were provided by multidisciplinary health care teams, the majority of which included a physiotherapist. Funding and availability of resources were identified as the main barriers to the development of oncology rehabilitation programmes. CONCLUSIONS: Formal oncology rehabilitation programmes appear to be scarce, despite growing evidence that rehabilitation offers benefits across the cancer survivorship continuum.