Abstract
Introduction
Despite evidence indicating the benefits of exercise for women with ovarian cancer, uptake is poor. Implementation research is extremely limited in ovarian cancer thus this review aimed to synthesise evidence regarding factors that influence uptake, adherence and retention.
Methods
A realist review of the literature was conducted using five electronic databases (CINAHL plus; Medline; Embase, PsycINFO and Google Scholar) from January 1980 – March 2020. Methodological rigor was assessed using a critical appraisal skills programme tool.
Results
Nine papers were included in this realist review. Two intervention stages were identified. Firstly, optimising uptake by: providing education; approaching patients when symptoms are adequately managed; and offering personalised exercise. Secondly, adherence and retention are influenced by the provision of ‘autoregulated’ exercise; additional supportive infrastructure; individualised goals; and symptom management support. This leads to motivation to maintain exercise and improved outcomes. Success is more likely where exercise is a core component of care and where participants are younger, educated and have a history of exercise. Factors which may hinder success include: heightened symptoms; olderage; and scheduling conflicts.
Conclusions
This realist review elucidates underlying mechanisms and important contextual factors that will support and guide the implementation of exercise interventions in ovarian cancer.
Despite evidence indicating the benefits of exercise for women with ovarian cancer, uptake is poor. Implementation research is extremely limited in ovarian cancer thus this review aimed to synthesise evidence regarding factors that influence uptake, adherence and retention.
Methods
A realist review of the literature was conducted using five electronic databases (CINAHL plus; Medline; Embase, PsycINFO and Google Scholar) from January 1980 – March 2020. Methodological rigor was assessed using a critical appraisal skills programme tool.
Results
Nine papers were included in this realist review. Two intervention stages were identified. Firstly, optimising uptake by: providing education; approaching patients when symptoms are adequately managed; and offering personalised exercise. Secondly, adherence and retention are influenced by the provision of ‘autoregulated’ exercise; additional supportive infrastructure; individualised goals; and symptom management support. This leads to motivation to maintain exercise and improved outcomes. Success is more likely where exercise is a core component of care and where participants are younger, educated and have a history of exercise. Factors which may hinder success include: heightened symptoms; olderage; and scheduling conflicts.
Conclusions
This realist review elucidates underlying mechanisms and important contextual factors that will support and guide the implementation of exercise interventions in ovarian cancer.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | S43 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published (in print/issue) - 1 Jul 2022 |
Bibliographical note
Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer and International Society of Oral Oncology Annual Meeting 2022, MASCC/ISOO 2022 ; Conference date: 23-06-2022 Through 25-06-2022Keywords
- Realist review
- programme theory
