‘Come, let’s exercise’: A qualitative analysis of undergraduate physiotherapy students’ perceptions of treating patients with cancer
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Abstract
Background. Education and training of undergraduate physiotherapy students in exercise prescription to cancer patients have recently come under the spotlight, with studies highlighting the absence of this focus in training programmes in numerous countries. However, no literature investigating exercise prescription to cancer patients by physiotherapists in South Africa (SA) could be found.
Objectives. To explore the perceptions of final-year physiotherapy students at an SA university about their preparedness to include exercise in the management of cancer patients.
Methods. A qualitative study design was used, with focus groups as data collection method. Purposive sampling was applied that resulted in 13 students volunteering to participate in one of two focus group discussions. Ethical approval was obtained to conduct this study. A semi-structured interview guide was followed. Manual thematic analysis was conducted using Braun and Clarke’s six-step process.
Results. Two themes were identified, i.e. students’ lack of knowledge within the context of physiotherapy and their responses to prescribing exercises to cancer patients. The students’ lack of basic knowledge of cancer made them feel unsure of their role and unsafe in prescribing exercises to their patients. Many participants reported reacting emotionally to the complex and life-threatening nature of their patients’ condition. Participants further described a lack of debriefing channels to manage their feelings.
Conclusion. This study highlighted the need for foundational knowledge and skills to enable a safer transition for healthcare students to include exercises in the management of cancer patients. Future research should consider the impact of managing patients with life-threatening conditions on the emotional wellbeing of health professions students and their professional identity development
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