Rehabilitation pathway for people with lung cancer undergoing thoracic surgery
AnitaP
Grant recipient: Georgina Whish-Wilson
Project title: Co-designing a rehabilitation pathway for people with lung cancer undergoing thoracic surgery
Year awarded: 2022
Grant: Seeding Grant
Grant amount: $12,000
Snapshot: People undergoing surgery for lung cancer often experience significant symptoms, reduced physical function and poorer quality of life following treatment. While exercise-based rehabilitation can improve outcomes, access to these programs remains limited and they are not routinely embedded in care. This study used an experience-based co-design approach to collaborate with patients, caregivers, clinicians and policymakers to identify key gaps in care and develop a rehabilitation pathway tailored to patient needs across the surgical journey.
The findings: The study identified multiple gaps in the current model of care, including unmet education needs, persistent symptoms and the complex relationship between mental health and recovery. Through interviews and workshops, key barriers and enablers to rehabilitation were mapped and used to co-design a multi-component intervention. The final prototype included exercise, education, behavioural support, mental health strategies and continuity of care, with a strong emphasis on flexibility and individualisation to meet patient needs.
Benefits to the profession: This research provides a consumer-informed framework for designing rehabilitation pathways in lung cancer care. It highlights the important role physiotherapists can play across the continuum, from pre-operative preparation to post-operative recovery, and supports potential expansion of scope to include education and behaviour change strategies. The findings offer a practical foundation for implementing accessible, patient-centred rehabilitation programs and improving outcomes for this complex population.
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