Digitizing Cancer Rehabilitation During and After Systemic Treatment: Feasibility Testing Implementation in South Baltic Countries

Background

With increasing cancer incidence and advanced cancer treatment, the growing population of cancer survivors increases the demand on health resources worldwide. Over the last 20 years, physical rehabilitation has reached recognition as an essential component of cancer care due its effect on physical function, side effects of treatment, and quality of life. However, highly specialized health care can result in longer distances to rehabilitation facilities. Also, a heavy appointment schedule for patients in treatment tends to complicate participation in rehabilitation. Telehealth has shown promise in increasing accessibility to services, also rehabilitation. However, barriers to participating in digitally delivered rehabilitation might exist, including lower e-health literacy and internet access in rural areas. The aim of this study is therefore, to examine the feasibility of implementing digitally supported rehabilitaiton in cancer care during and after treatment.

Methodology In a multinational implementation study, the feasibility of implementation of digital rehabilitation will be tested in five South Baltic Countries (DK, SWE, GER, PL, LTU). Each site will host one feasibility trial for patients during cancer treatment and one for patients after, with n=30 patients in each fesibility trial (total n=300). The intervention will be needs-based, follow international guidelines, last from 8-16 weeks, and be delivered by trained Health Care Professionals (HCP's), either fully or partially digital. Mixed methods will be used to assess outcomes of reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance (RE-AIM).

Through the coordinated feasibility trials across five South Baltic countries, the investigators expect to learn about important factors in implementation of digitally delivered rehabilitation in different settings, cultures, and health systems. Finally, the investigators will bring recommendations for improving reach, implementation, and sustainability of digitally delivered rehabilitation across different settings.