New Paper explores UK cancer specialist nurses' perspectives of physical activity in cancer care.

A new paper by Dr Anna Roberts, the UCL Institute of Epidemology & Health Care, Dr Henry Potts, the UCL Institute of Health Informatics, and colleagues explores cancer specialist nurses' perspectives of physical activity promotion and the role of physical activity apps in cancer care in the UK. The study found that national policy changes  and the “Living With and Beyond Cancer” strategy have positively influenced the promotion of physical activity, and that nurses recognise their role in discussing physical activity with patients. Nurses also described several techniques to promote physical activity but there are some remaining challenges.

Nurses in the study also discussed how apps could positively and negatively influence accessibility to physical activity support. Apps can offer patients choice about how to engage in physical activity and promote self-management, but nurses need more guidance about which physical activity apps are most suitable for patients.

Dr Roberts recently completed her PhD at the UCL Department of Behavioural Science & Health with Dr Abi Fisher and the Institute of Health Informatics’ Dr Henry Potts. The team are now working on a randomised controlled trial to evaluate use of a physical activity app with cancer patients, funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research, while Dr Potts is working with Public Health England on how to improve the evaluation of apps.

To read the full paper, visit the Springer website.

The paper's full citation is: Roberts A, Potts HWW, Stevens C, Lally P, Smith L, Fisher A (2019). Breast, prostate and colorectal cancer specialist nurses' perspectives of physical activity promotion and the potential role of smartphone-based physical activity interventions in cancer care: A qualitative study. Journal of Cancer Survivorship. doi: 0.1007/s11764-019-00801-w