The Benefits and Potential Limitations of Early Physical Therapy in the Rehabilitation of Cancer Patients from the Perspective of Therapists in the City of Tripoli

Abstract

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to identify the potential benefits and limitations of early physiotherapy for cancer patients from the perspective of physiotherapists working in oncology rehabilitation at hospitals in Tripoli, and to reveal their awareness of best practices and the challenges of implementing them in different treatment settings. The study employed a descriptive-analytical approach, deemed most suitable for its nature. A questionnaire was administered to a sample of 50 physiotherapists working in oncology rehabilitation at hospitals in Tripoli. The results showed a high degree of agreement among physiotherapists on the significant benefits of early physiotherapy in improving patients' quality of life, reducing pain, and treating lymphedema, with an agreement rate of 88%. Conversely, the study revealed key limitations to its implementation, most notably a lack of specialized training in oncology rehabilitation, concerns about complications arising from radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and weak referral mechanisms between physicians and physiotherapists. The results also showed statistically significant differences attributable to years of experience, favoring those with longer experience in assessing the benefits, while no significant differences were found in other areas. Attributed to gender.