Authors (including presenting author) :
Ip TC(1), Mak LY(1), Tang LM(1), Tsui YC(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Physiotherapy Department, Prince of Wales Hospital
Keyword 2: :
Phsyiotherapy
Keyword 3: :
Rehabilitation
Keyword 4: :
Community rehabilitation
Keyword 5: :
Early Triage
Introduction :
Cancer care extends beyond acute treatment, requiring coordinated support that bridges hospital‑based interventions with long‑term rehabilitation. With oncology admissions rising, acute hospitals face growing demand to shorten patients’ length of stay. Meanwhile, some patients prefer earlier discharge due to personal values and end‑of‑life considerations. These factors contribute to a widening service gap in continuity of rehabilitation. Notably, physiotherapy attendance has shown a 9.82% increase from 2022 to 2025 in Prince of Wales Hospital Oncology, highlighting the needs of rehabilitation outlets in cancer patients. Hence, a discharge algorithm is created to facilitate early discharge with liaison of multidisciplinary team.
Objectives :
This pilot study explored the role of physiotherapy rehabilitation in supporting oncology patients, focusing on bridging hospital‑based care with community rehabilitation, fostering collaboration among multidisciplinary teams.
Methodology :
Ten patients were recruited using the Early Triage of Oncology Rehabilitation discharge‑planning algorithm. This model identified individuals medically fit for discharge, with rehabilitation needs comparable to their pre‑morbid level, available carer support, rehabilitation motivation, and accessible geographic range. Eligible participants were referred to the Sha Tin Hospital Palliative Day Care Centre for structured rehabilitation. Interventions centred on physiotherapy to restore mobility, enhance functional independence, and promote patient empowerment, with the broader aim of reducing length of stay and supporting early discharge aligned with patient preferences. Data collection focused on functional status and mobility outcomes, measured using the Modified Functional Ambulation Category (MFAC).
Result & Outcome :
Participants demonstrated improved mobility and functional performance. One patient returned to pre‑morbid, while another improved from MFAC 2 in acute setting to MFAC 5 in day care rehabilitation. Overall, patients reported greater satisfaction when able to achieve direct discharge home, reflecting the value of early rehabilitation engagement. Carer training played a key role in facilitating discharge, with caregivers expressing increased confidence in supporting patients. Psychosocial benefits were also observed, including enhanced resilience, improved coping strategies, and reduced caregiver burden. These findings align with broader service trends, reinforcing the growing demand of rehabilitation in oncology. Despite recruitment limitations—including patient refusal, clinical deterioration, geographic constraints, and cases where patients had already regained pre‑morbid function—this pilot study provides early evidence that physiotherapy‑led rehabilitation is integral to a sustainable cancer care pathway. Strengthening links between acute and community‑based rehabilitation can close service gaps and support patients in recovering function while maintaining quality of life across the continuum.
