Assessing Exercise Behavior and Preferences Among Patients and Oncologists

Assessing Exercise Behavior and Preferences Among Patients and Oncologists at Indiana University Simon Cancer Center

The purpose of this study is to understand the preferences and barriers surrounding exercise of both the patients and oncologists within Indiana University Simon Cancer Center. This information will establish gaps in our current care and provide important information to guide future pilot interventions.

This descriptive, cross-sectional study will survey patients with a current or previous diagnosis of non-metastatic solid tumor malignancy who are being seen at the Indiana University Simon Cancer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Patients with active, incurable disease are excluded. Willing and eligible patients will complete a brief, 14 question survey while seen in the waiting room of the women's or multi-disciplinary clinics. We aim to survey 350 patients over a 12 month period. Patients will fill out the survey at only one point in time and no patient identifiers will be kept.

During COVID-19 restrictions, we will also send out an electronic version of the survey to participants using the email address provided in their Cerner accounts. Responses will be captured by REDCAP and will remain anonymous and not linked to the patients' medical record or personal health information.

The physician survey will be emailed to oncologist/hematologists practicing within IUSCC who see patients at least once per week. Physicians will receive a survey at only one point in time. The survey will be anonymous and no physician identifiers will be kept.

Primary objective Estimate the proportion of patients with curable solid tumor malignancies seen at the Indiana University Simon Cancer Center who are meeting exercise recommendations for cancer survivors (more than 150 minutes per week of moderate or 75 minutes per week of vigorous activity).

Secondary objectives

• Assess patients' perceived barriers to exercise during cancer survivorship
• Assess patients' preferences for receiving exercise recommendations
• Assess oncologists' perceived barriers to making exercise recommendations
• Assess oncologists' preferences for exercise and physical activity resources that could be provided by the cancer center

Inclusion Criteria:

• Physician survey Any oncologist/hematologist practicing within IUSCC regularly providing care for patients with solid tumor malignancies (seeing patients one or more days per week in the multidisciplinary or women's clinics with solid tumor malignancies). Physicians providing care only for hematologic (multiple myeloma, leukemia, lymphoma, transplant) or benign disorders will be excluded.

• Patient survey

  1. Patients with a current or previous diagnosis of stage 0-III or curable solid tumor
  2. Patients receiving any component of their medical oncologic care at IUSCC
  3. Age ≥ 18 years
  4. Able to read and write English

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Metastatic disease at the time of study participation
2. Inability to complete the survey