Perspective on the integration of physiotherapy in cancer care in KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

Background: Cancer rehabilitation is vital for managing treatment-related complications such as pain, fatigue, weakness, swelling, and respiratory difficulties. Physiotherapy addresses these challenges through manual therapy, electrotherapy, chest physiotherapy and structured exercise programmes. Despite its benefits, fragmented referral pathways, limited specialised training and low awareness hinder integration into oncology care. This study explores physiotherapists’ perceptions of cancer rehabilitation to improve referrals, service integration and inform curriculum development.
Objectives: To explore physiotherapists’ perceptions and experiences of cancer rehabilitation, and its integration within public tertiary hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal.
Method: A qualitative descriptive design was used. Semi-structured interviews with 18 physiotherapists were analysed thematically.
Results: Four major themes that emerged from participating physiotherapists were the necessity of integrating physiotherapy management into cancer medical care, gaps in undergraduate training, the importance of multidisciplinary team awareness, late patient referrals, resource shortages, limited knowledge about the disease and physiotherapy’s management effectiveness in addressing post-cancer complications.
Conclusion: Participants believed that integrating physiotherapy into cancer rehabilitation is crucial. Participants highlighted the need for oncology-focused training, improved multidisciplinary team collaboration and streamlined referral systems. Addressing resource shortages and empowering physiotherapists in clinical decision-making were seen as essential steps forward.
Clinical implications: Integrating physiotherapy into cancer management and clinical guidelines can improve service delivery, enhance multidisciplinary collaboration and address systemic barriers to optimise outcomes for cancer patients.