The IMPLEMENT project in Germany aims to integrate quality-assured oncological exercise therapy (qOET) into standard medical practice for cancer care, addressing the lack of systematic incorporation of exercise therapy despite its proven benefits for cancer patients.
The project investigates barriers hindering the adoption of exercise therapy in clinical and community settings, using a mixed-methods approach to understand institutional, logistical, and patient-centered challenges.
Tailored strategies for urban and rural healthcare environments include standardizing facilities for urban aftercare and implementing hybrid models combining in-person and digital support for rural regions.
Dedicated initiatives focus on educating adult cancer patients and providing personalized consultations for children and adolescents, while emphasizing seamless communication among healthcare providers, therapists, and patients.
The project emphasizes economic evaluation to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness and potential savings of qOET, aiming to embed exercise therapy in long-term healthcare financing models.
Promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and leveraging digital innovation, the project develops training programs for exercise therapy professionals with quality assurance protocols and transparency through trial registrations.
The anticipated outcomes of the project include informing clinical guidelines internationally and enhancing the accessibility and uptake of qOET in cancer care, leading to improved patient outcomes and a holistic approach to treatment.
By addressing infrastructural, educational, economic, and psychosocial barriers, the IMPLEMENT project strives to transform healthcare paradigms through evidence-based practices, policy support, and innovative service delivery models.
Ultimately, the project aims to establish exercise therapy as a fundamental component of cancer care, setting a new standard for integration and inspiring future initiatives to bridge the gap between evidence and practice in oncology.
This transformative endeavor by the IMPLEMENT consortium is expected to contribute significantly to public health, clinical excellence, and the empowerment of cancer patients worldwide.
Article Title: Advancing the implementation of quality-assured oncological exercise therapy in Germany: protocol for the IMPLEMENT project.