Authors (including presenting author) :
Tsang TCL(1), Tsang GNC(3), Kwan MWF(1), Yeung RTS(1), To KWS(1), Or CSK(1), Chan EMF(1), Kwong SSF(1), Wan SSY(3), Leung WY(2), Chau PL(2), Ng M(2), Ling YH(2)
Affiliation :
(1)Physiotherapy Department,(2)Department of Surgery, Ruttonjee & Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals, (3)Physiotherapy Department, HKEC
Introduction :
Cancer-Related fatigue (CRF) is the feeling of lethargic and lacking energy due to malignancy and cancer-related treatment. CRF affects 40% of patients upon diagnosis, 80-100% during chemotherapy. More than 50% of Ca Breast survivors experienced CRF up to 10 years. Depression, anxiety, communication avoidance, sexual problems, relationship separations were prevalent. A Physiotherapy Wellness program was initiated in July 2021 to address CRF in CaB patients.
Objectives :
1. To minimize symptoms of fatigue and assist patients in coping with CRF
2. To improve quality of life (QOL) and facilitate integration with community support
Methodology :
In collaboration with Ruttonjee Hospital Surgical Unit, Ca Breast patients were recruited. The 60-minute physiotherapy wellness class based on theories of Yoga, Pilates and breathing control. It included lymphatic drainage, breathing relaxation, stretching and fascial gliding, postural awareness and re-education, and core training. It also provided a venue for peers sharing and support.
6 Domains were evaluated with questionnaires: stress after surgery, sleeping quality, sense of wellbeing, scar tightness or pain, tiredness or exhaustion, and social relationship.
Result & Outcome :
From July to December 2021, 31 female patients with mean age of 63(39-87) attended the class. The average attendance was 4. The time of recruitment post-op was 55 weeks. 21 patients completed the questionnaires.
100 % of patients experienced reduction in stress after surgery and treatment process such as Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy. 83% of patients reported improved sleeping quality and 88% found it helpful in sense of wellbeing.
The overall improvement in scar tightness and pain was 57%, tiredness and exhaustion was 54% and improvement in social relationship with friends and family was 43%. 100% of patients were satisfied, and would recommend others to join. Patients reported that the exercises and breathing were helpful and could keep practice at home during chemotherapy treatment, and would suggest the class to be added earlier after surgery.
Conclusion:
The PT wellness class is effective in minimizing CRF for Ca Breast patients, improving QOL and social relationship. The development of exercise habit can facilitate seamless transitions from hospital to community. Tele-care model with zoom class for patient during chemotherapy can be explored.
