The impact of Next Steps programme for people after cancer in relation to wellbeing and other health indicators

Background: Cancer is a prevalent disease which has significant impacts on quality of life. Many patients receive cancer treatment in the form of surgery or other therapies to minimise the spread and prevalence of the disease. These treatments often lead to additional impairments which cancer patients must face long-term. Current literature suggests that exercise-based rehabilitation can be beneficial for addressing these impairments holistically, but there is limited research within the country of New Zealand. Objective: This study sought to explore the patient’s personal experience of exercise-based rehabilitation, following cancer treatment, within PINC and STEEL’s Next Steps programme. Through these experiences, it also sought to determine the benefits, barriers and potential for improvements of this programme. Methods: A study which used qualitative design methods was undertaken. Six patients, with a stage III or later diagnosis of cancer, participated in semi-structured video and telephone interviews. Results: Research findings were grouped into five key themes resulting from thematic analysis: ‘patient journey leading to link with PINC and STEEL’, ‘components of the Next Steps programmes’, ‘group setting experiences during Next Steps’, ‘PINC and STEEL’s impacts on life’, and ‘further potential for Next Steps programmes’. The study reflected that benefits can be developed across a range of the determinants of health. Group-based programmes added additional benefits that improved the overall progressions of the patients. Increasing exposure to the programme through extended participation time frames along with identification throughout communities were the two main improvements for the programme, reflected by the patients. Conclusion: The study provides important insight into the benefits of exercise-based cancer rehabilitation and identifies areas of improvement for future programme development to ensure the most equitable and optimal delivery.