RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 P-120 The role of a specialist prostate cancer physiotherapist in addressing low engagement of men with prostate cancer in palliative rehabilitation – despite clear evidence of rehabilitation need and benefit
JF BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care
JO BMJ Support Palliat Care
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP A43
OP A43
DO 10.1136/bmjspcare-2015-001026.120
VO 5
IS Suppl 3
A1 Whitney, Helen
A1 Islam, Thufayel
YR 2015
UL http://spcare.bmj.com/content/5/Suppl_3/A43.1.abstract
AB Introduction Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer in men and numbers are predicted to rise exponentially in the future. Despite evidence indicating that exercise reduces the risk of prostate cancer disease progression by 57%and mortality by 30%, men with Prostate cancer hesitate to participate in services.The Hospice offers an extensive range of palliative rehabilitative services; however men’s health behaviours and a lack of referrals mean that men with prostate cancer are suffering from poor access. From preliminary mapping and scoping there is a clear need for information and advice earlier in the pathway, increased engagement of palliative rehabilitation through face to face contact and professional education for those working with men with prostate cancer is required.Aim To address the low uptake by men with Prostate cancer into hospice palliative rehabilitation.MethodHealth and Wellbeing Clinics for men with prostate cancer.Individual, one to one physiotherapy sessions for men with prostate cancer experiencing physical impairment and onward hospice referral if appropriate.Teaching sessions to professionals/clinicians working with men with prostate cancer regarding benefits of exercise and hospice services.Results 6 teaching sessions delivered to 77 clinicians. Post session 93% a high level of awareness of the needs and services available.Specialist Prostate Cancer Physiotherapist assessed and engaged 12 men with Prostate Cancer at the Hospice.The annual number of men with palliative prostate cancer benefitting from out-patient physiotherapy tripled compared with 2013–2014.An increase of 22 men engaging with service at St Joseph’s Hospice services compared with last year.Conclusion Men’s health behaviours and a lack of early hospice referrals have created an inequity for men with prostate cancer. Utilising a specialist prostate cancer physiotherapist to educate clinicians, men with Prostate cancer and offer physiotherapy for those with physical impairment has successfully engaged more men into palliative rehabilitation at the hospice.