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Promoting exercise for patients with multiple myeloma: attitudes and practices of clinical haematologists

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Journal of Cancer Survivorship Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

To explore the attitudes and practices of clinical haematologists towards promoting physical activity (PA) and exercise for patients with multiple myeloma (MM).

Methods

Using a quantitative cross-sectional survey, clinical haematologists reported on the perceived benefits and acceptability of PA and exercise and frequency, confidence and barriers to providing exercise advice.

Results

Clinical haematologists (n=34; 68% response rate), who cumulatively treated ~340 patients with MM each week, completed the survey. Almost all (97%) agreed that PA was important, with benefits for quality of life, activities of daily living, mental health and fatigue. Whilst 88% discussed PA at least occasionally with their patients, approximately two-thirds were not confident advising specific exercises (68%) or identifying PA resources (62%). Despite this, 44% never referred patients to exercise professionals, with 18% only doing so if the patient asked. Over half did not recommend exercise when patients had spine fractures or were physically unwell. No differences were observed in individual factors (age, gender, practice type and own PA participation) and promotion of PA.

Conclusions

Clinical haematologists perceive PA as important, but lack confidence on what exercise/s to recommend and if exercise is appropriate for specific disease complications. They tend to not refer patients to exercise professionals.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Patients with MM often suffer from symptoms and toxicities that may be alleviated through PA. However, PA participation rates are low. Support for clinical haematologists for when and how to discuss exercise, and clearer referral pathways to exercise professionals may improve PA uptake and hence ensure access to optimal care, thereby improving patient outcomes.

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Acknowledgements

The team would like to acknowledge the haematology nurses and conference organisers who assisted with the survey distribution.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

    Jennifer L. Nicol & Tina L. Skinner

  2. Precision and Systems Biomedicine Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

    Michelle M. Hill

  3. The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia

    Michelle M. Hill

  4. School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

    Nicola W. Burton

Authors
  1. Jennifer L. Nicol
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  2. Michelle M. Hill
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  3. Nicola W. Burton
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  4. Tina L. Skinner
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation was performed by Jennifer Nicol, Nicola Burton and Tina Skinner. Data collection and analysis were performed by Jennifer Nicol. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Jennifer Nicol and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors critically reviewed the manuscript and approved the final version.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jennifer L. Nicol.

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Ethics approval

The questionnaire and methodology for this study were approved by The University of Queensland School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences Ethics Committee (Approval #HMS17/3108).

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Completion and return of the survey confirmed consent.

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Not applicable.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no competing interests.

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Nicol, J.L., Hill, M.M., Burton, N.W. et al. Promoting exercise for patients with multiple myeloma: attitudes and practices of clinical haematologists. J Cancer Surviv 16, 688–695 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-021-01062-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-021-01062-2

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