title: Oncology rehabilitation outcomes over time: a mixed-methods approach.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate an oncology rehabilitation program over time.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional, retrospective program evaluation using a mixed-methods approach.
  
  
  METHODS
  An outpatient oncology rehabilitation program housed in an urban, hospital-based comprehensive cancer center in Alaska.
  
  
  METHODS
  102 cancer survivors who had completed a 10-week oncology rehabilitation program (mean time since completion was 2.5 years).
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants completed a mailed, 28-item retrospective survey to collect perceived activity level recalled at various points in time as well as program perceptions. Open-ended questions elicited narrative comments about motivators and barriers. The Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) SF-36® was completed before and after the program.
  
  
  METHODS
  Health-related quality of life, perceived health status, activity level, motivators, barriers, and program perceptions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A small increase in level of activity from precancer to the current time (postrehabilitation) (z = -3.1, p < 0.01) was reported. Most and least helpful motivators emerged from the narrative data, resulting in the shared interpretation of "I have my life back."
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Program motivators were effective in helping cancer survivors maintain some increased activity and retain positive perceptions well after the completion of the program.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Survivors who complete a rehabilitation program retain a sense of restoration and caring, and some engage in physical activity over time. Adapting the program based on insights into the survivor perspective may assist oncology rehabilitation clinicians to promote optimum physical activity and sustain healthful change.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of Alaska in Anchorage.
authors.forename: Elizabeth J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Predeger
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of Alaska in Anchorage.
authors.forename: Maureen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: O'Malley
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of Alaska in Anchorage.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hendrix
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of Alaska in Anchorage.
authors.forename: Nadine M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Parker
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000413:Alaska; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D002173:Cancer Care Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006304:Health Status; D006786:Hospitals, Urban / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: activity; evaluation; long-term; oncology; rehabilitation