PT NavigatorPhysiotherapist Navigator Pilot Trial

Background: More Canadians are living with and beyond cancer in Canada. However, most survivors live with harsh side effects due to cancer and its treatments. While international guidelines recommend involving physiotherapists (PTs) in cancer care, many countries do not provide access to these services as a standard part of treatment. Healthcare navigators help patients overcome barriers and streamline care which has shown to improve clinical processes while reducing clinical and patient costs. Through ongoing and routine assessment, a PT Navigator could specifically address issues like fatigue and strength loss, refer patients to other needed services, and help set goals to improve quality of life. Currently, there are no PT Navigator roles in acute cancer care settings in Canada. The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a PT Navigator role for individuals living with cancer receiving cancer treatment.

Methods:

Participants will include adults recently diagnosed with cancer who are/will be receiving cancer treatment (e.g., chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy), are English-speaking and community dwelling. Participants in the intervention group will be followed by the PT Navigator for 12-18 weeks who will screen for early side effects of cancer and its treatment and respond or refer accordingly. Participants in the control group will continue with usual care.

Outcomes: Participants will be assessed at 3 time points. The primary outcome is adherence. Secondary outcomes include other feasibility measures such as retention, recruitment, satisfaction, and preliminary effectiveness will be assessed using overall impairment score, self-reported exercise volume, quality of life, health care utilization, exercise capacity and physical function.

Impact:

If feasible, this will be the first study to facilitate routine PT assessment and early intervention as a component of cancer care in Canada. Findings will inform future methods examining the novel role and can improve the way rehabilitation services are provided to individuals living with or beyond cancer in Canada and internationally.