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Open Access 12-03-2025 | Breast Cancer

Healthcare provider perspectives on a clinical decision tool to support individualized exercise prescriptions and discussions for breast cancer survivors

Authors: Jinani Jayasekera, Oliver W. A. Wilson, Kaitlyn M. Wojcik, Eleanor M. Kerr, Rachelle Brick, David Berrigan, Jennifer Yeong-shin Sheng, Takeo Fujii, Kathleen Thomas, Henri K. Parson, Padma Sheila Rajagopal, Richard L. Street Jr

Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship

Abstract

Purpose

We evaluated healthcare providers’ current knowledge, practices, and perspectives on a novel clinical decision tool (beta-version) to facilitate individualized exercise prescriptions and discussions in clinical settings.

Methods

We recruited healthcare providers who had treated or provided care to breast cancer survivors aged ≥ 35-years in the past 12 months. The participants were presented with a tool to provide individualized exercise recommendations considering women’s individual, clinical, and contextual characteristics. Validated and reliable pre-existing instruments were used to survey providers’ current knowledge, practices regarding exercise discussions, and perspectives on the beta-version (paper-draft) of the novel tool.

Results

The sample consisted of complete survey responses from 177 healthcare providers including breast oncologists (27.7%), primary care physicians (10.7%), exercise specialists (19.8%), occupational/physical therapists (18.1%), advanced care providers, nurses, navigators, and social workers (23.7%). Median years of experience was 8-years (range: 5–13). Overall, 62.1% (n = 110) reported that they were knowledgeable about counseling survivors based on exercise guidelines. Among breast oncologists and primary care physicians (n = 68), only 39.7% reported that they were knowledgeable about identifying patients for exercise referals. The majority agreed that they would find the tool offering individualized information useful (n = 148, 83.6%), and would use it regularly to inform practice (82.5%). ‘Exercise Readiness’, ‘Exercise Resources at Home’, and ‘Quality-of-Life’ were the highest rated items for inclusion in the tool for exercise prescriptions. Provider perspectives were incorporated into the beta-version of the tool.

Conclusion

A clinical decision tool considering individual, clinical, and contextual characteristics may support exercise prescriptions and discussions in clinical settings.

Implications for cancer survivors

An evidence-based tool for exercise prescriptions may increase healthcare provider confidence to discuss, educate, encourage, and provide exercise referrals for breast cancer survivors.

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Healthcare provider perspectives on a clinical decision tool to support individualized exercise prescriptions and discussions for breast cancer survivors
Authors: Jinani Jayasekera
Oliver W. A. Wilson
Kaitlyn M. Wojcik
Eleanor M. Kerr
Rachelle Brick
David Berrigan
Jennifer Yeong-shin Sheng
Takeo Fujii
Kathleen Thomas
Henri K. Parson
Padma Sheila Rajagopal
Richard L. Street Jr
Publication date: 12-03-2025
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer
Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship
Print ISSN: 1932-2259
Electronic ISSN: 1932-2267
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-025-01750-3

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Healthcare provider perspectives on a clinical decision tool to support individualized exercise prescriptions and discussions for breast cancer survivors

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Implications for cancer survivors

Elevate your expertise in aplastic anemia (Link opens in a new window)

Recent advances in the use of CAR T-cell therapies in relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma

Podcast | Sexual health in older age

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Implications for cancer survivors

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Recent advances in the use of CAR T-cell therapies in relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma