REACT- Rehabilitation Self-Efficacy And Cancer Team-based care
Short description
REACT is a research programme in cancer rehabilitation that aims to increase knowledge of person-centred, evidence-based rehabilitation interventions for people living with or beyond cancer. Its overall goal is to improve health-related quality of life, reduce physical and psychological symptoms, and strengthen self-efficacy. The programme comprises pilot, evaluation and intervention studies. One subproject evaluates a structured, advanced cancer rehabilitation programme for people undergoing or having completed cancer treatment. Another subproject evaluates medical yoga and group discussions for men with prostate cancer receiving hormone therapy. The programme is conducted at the Regional Centre for Cancer Rehabilitation, Sahlgrenska University Hospital.
Background
Cancer is one of the most common diseases in Sweden, and the number of people living with or beyond cancer continues to increase. As survival rates improve, the need for cancer rehabilitation has become increasingly apparent. Cancer and its treatment can have long-term physical, psychological and social consequences that affect daily functioning, work ability and health-related quality of life.
REACT is a research programme in cancer rehabilitation that aims to increase knowledge of person-centred, evidence-based rehabilitation interventions for people living with or beyond cancer. The overall goal is to improve health-related quality of life, reduce physical and psychological symptoms, and strengthen self-efficacy. The programme comprises pilot, evaluation and intervention studies and is conducted at the Regional Centre for Cancer Rehabilitation, Sahlgrenska University Hospital.
Subproject 1. Improved self-efficacy through an advanced cancer rehabilitation programme
Aim
To evaluate a structured, advanced cancer rehabilitation programme for people undergoing or having completed cancer treatment. The study investigates changes in self-efficacy, health-related quality of life, and physical and psychological symptoms. It also explores patients' expectations of the rehabilitation programme, the extent to which these expectations are met, and the programme's costs and impact on return to work.
Methods
The study is designed as a prospective evaluation of an advanced cancer rehabilitation programme. Data are collected using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Patient-reported outcome measures assess self-efficacy, health-related quality of life, and physical and psychological symptoms. Qualitative interviews explore participants' experiences of the rehabilitation programme and their expectations of it. Health economic analyses and register-based studies are also conducted to evaluate programme costs and return to work.
Significance
The study addresses an important knowledge gap in cancer rehabilitation. By evaluating a structured rehabilitation programme from patient, health economic and occupational perspectives, it will provide evidence to support the development, implementation and evaluation of future cancer rehabilitation services.
Subproject 2. Medical yoga and group discussions for men with prostate cancer receiving hormone therapy
Aim
To investigate the feasibility of medical yoga (MOSI) and group discussions as rehabilitation interventions for men with prostate cancer who have completed radiotherapy and are receiving hormone therapy. The study also examines changes in self-efficacy, health-related quality of life, physical and psychological symptoms, and biological markers associated with stress.
Methods
This pilot study offers participants medical yoga and group discussions as part of a rehabilitation programme. Data collection includes patient-reported outcome measures assessing self-efficacy, health-related quality of life, and physical and psychological symptoms. Saliva samples are collected to analyse biological markers related to stress and recovery. Qualitative interviews explore participants' experiences of the intervention and their participation in the study.
Significance
The study addresses the need for rehabilitation interventions tailored to men with prostate cancer receiving hormone therapy. As a pilot study, it will provide valuable knowledge about the feasibility of medical yoga and group discussions within cancer rehabilitation and inform the design of future larger-scale studies.