Barriers and Facilitators to the Referral of Patients With Cancer for Physiotherapy Rehabilitation at Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI).

Abstract Background: Cancer and its treatment are linked to a variety of physical complications. Physiotherapy is recommended as the treatment of choice for improving cancer patients' physical function and quality of life. All patients with cancer and rehabilitation needs at Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) don’t receive physiotherapy services. There is little information available about the factors influencing health workers' decisions to refer patients with cancer for physiotherapy rehabilitation in underdeveloped countries, particularly Uganda. This study aimed to determine barriers and facilitators to the referral of patients with cancer for physiotherapy rehabilitation at UCI. Methods: A qualitative descriptive phenomenological design was adopted. In-depth interviews were performed with 12 Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) health professionals who were chosen using a convenience sampling approach. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the results. The UCI Research Ethical Committee granted ethical approval. Results: Participants reported that facilitators to the referral of patients with cancer for physiotherapy rehabilitation included, but were not limited to; inter-professional communication, clinical characteristics and positive outcomes of physiotherapy. On the other hand, hindering factors included; a knowledge gap, understaffing of physiotherapists, advanced cancer complications, and many more. Conclusion: Doctors and nurses at UCI appreciate the role of physiotherapy in cancer management. A limited knowledge on the assessment of patients with cancer for rehabilitation needs and limited physiotherapy staffing constrains the referral of patients with cancer for physiotherapy rehabilitation at UCI.