Evidence map›Paper›PMID 37740170›Full record

ArticleBMC health services research2023

Exploring the practicality and acceptability a brief exercise communication and clinician referral pathway in cancer care: a feasibility study.

Cristina M Caperchione, Madeleine English, Paul Sharp, Meera R Agar, Jane L Phillips, Winston Liauw, Carole A Harris, Susan McCullough, Ruth Lilian

Abstract read
PubMed Full text at PMC Publisher
In one paragraph

Article in BMC health services research, 2023. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 7 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
7citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

7 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Trial
  2. Trial
  3. Article
  4. Facilitators to the implementation of exercise into cancer care: a systematic review.Journal of cancer survivorship : research and practice · 2026
    Review
  5. Article
  6. Article
  7. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Cristina M CaperchioneSchool of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia. cristina.caperchione@uts.edu.au.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2290-5946
Madeleine EnglishSchool of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Paul SharpSchool of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Meera R AgarIMPACCT, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Jane L PhillipsIMPACCT, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Winston LiauwCancer Care Centre, St George Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Carole A HarrisCancer Care Centre, St George Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Susan McCulloughTranslational Cancer Research Network, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Ruth LilianTranslational Cancer Research Network, Sydney, NSW, Australia.

Funding

Translational Cancer Research Network 15/TRC/1-03
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe majority of cancer patients and cancer care clinicians-CCCs (e.g., oncologists) believe that exercise is an important adjunct therapy that should be embedded in standard practice. Yet, CCCs do not routinely discuss exercise with their patients, nor do they regularly refer them to exercise professionals (e.g., exercise physiologists-EPs). This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of an evidence-based approach to improving exercise communication between CCCs and their patients, including an exercise referral pathway.

methodsImplementation and testing of the Exercise Communication and Referral Pathway (ECRP) occurred in Sydney, Australia. The ECRP included a brief oncology-initiated communication exchange with patients, CCC exercise referral to an EP, followed by EP-initiated telephone consultation with patients concerning tailored exercise advice. Participant perceptions concerning the feasibility and applicability of the ECPR were evaluated. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with CCCs (n = 3), cancer patients (n = 21), and an EP (n = 1). Inductive thematic analysis was undertaken.

resultsAnalysis generated three themes: (1) Navigating the role of CCCs in the ECRP, suggesting that oncology-initiated communication is a cue to action, however there was a lack of role clarity regarding exercise referral; (2) Implementing Patient-Orientated Care within a Standardised Pathway, highlighting the need for tailored information and advice for patients that reflects individual disease, socio-cultural, and environmental factors, and; (3) Taking Steps Towards Action, revealing the need for structural (e.g., EP initiated contact with patients) and policy changes (i.e., changes to Medicare, direct oncologist referral) to engage patients and better integrate exercise as part of standard care.

conclusionsFindings provide important insights into improving oncology-patient exercise communication and developing an exercise referral pathway to increase engagement and patient reach. However, individual (e.g., experience, knowledge) and contextual factors (e.g., time, resources) need consideration when implementing an ECRP.

trial registrationThis trial was prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical (#ACTRN12620000358943) on March 13, 2020.

Indexed as

NeoplasmsReferral and ConsultationAgedAustraliaCommunicationFeasibility StudiesHumansNational Health ProgramsTelephoneCancer and exerciseCancer care servicesExercise physiologistExercise professionalsExercise referralIntegrated clinical practiceOncologist-patient communication

Identifiers

PMID37740170
PMCPMC10517509

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.