Experiences and perceptions of referrals to a community-based physical activity program for cancer survivors: a qualitative exploration

Background Physical activity rates in cancer survivors continue to be low despite the known benefits and availability of evidence-based programs. LIVESTRONG at the Y is a national community-based physical activity program offered cost-free to cancer survivors, though is underutilized. We explored perceptions and experiences of staff and participating survivors to better understand program awareness, referrals and participation. Methods LIVESTRONG at the Y program staff [directors (n = 16), instructors (n = 4)] and survivors (n = 8) from 8 United States YMCAs took part in 30-min semi-structured phone interviews between March–May 2019. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, and evaluated using a thematic analysis approach. Results Program staff themes included: 1) Program awareness should be further developed for both the general public and medical providers; 2) Strong relationships with medical providers increased program referrals; 3) Electronic referral systems between providers and LIVESTRONG would help to streamline the referral process; and 4) Bi-directional communication between program staff and medical providers is key to providing patient progress updates. Survivor themes included: 1) Survivors trust their medical team and the information they provide about physical activity; 2) Providers need to incorporate an action plan and referrals for survivors to be active once treatments are completed; and 3) Personal experiences of those who participated in LIVESTRONG resonate with survivors and increase participation. Conclusions LIVESTRONG staff reported the need for an integrated electronic referral system and bi-directional communication with providers about participant progress. Survivors want physical activity education, electronic referrals and follow-up from their healthcare team, coupled with peer support from other survivors. Cancer care provider knowledge and electronic referrals during and after treatment may expedite and increase participation in this community-based program.

Experiences and perceptions of referrals to a community-based physical activity program from cancer survivors: A qualitative exploration

Background Physical activity rates in cancer survivors continue to be low despite the known benefits and availability of evidence-based programs. LIVESTRONG at the Y is a national community-based physical activity program offered cost-free to cancer survivors, though is underutilized. We explored perceptions and experiences of staff and participating survivors to better understand program awareness, referrals and participation. Methods LIVESTRONG at the Y program staff [directors (n = 16), instructors (n = 4)] and survivors (n = 8) from 8 United States YMCAs took part in 30-minute semi-structured phone interviews. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, and evaluated using a thematic analysis approach. Results and Discussion Program staff themes included: 1) Program awareness should be further developed for both the general public and medical providers; 2) Strong relationships with medical providers increased program referrals; 3) Electronic referral systems between providers and LIVESTRONG would help to streamline the referral process; and 4) Bi-directional communication between program staff and medical providers is key to providing patient progress updates. Survivor themes included: 1) Survivors trust their medical team and the information they provide about physical activity; 2) Providers need to incorporate an action plan and referrals for survivors to be active once treatments are completed; and 3) Personal experiences of those who participated in LIVESTRONG resonate with survivors and increase participation. Conclusions LIVESTRONG staff reported the need for an integrated electronic referral system and bi-directional communication with providers about participant progress. Survivors want physical activity education, electronic referrals and follow-up from their healthcare team, coupled with peer support from other survivors. Cancer care provider knowledge and electronic referrals during and after treatment may expedite and increase participation in this community-based program.

REVISITING THE ECOLOGICAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM IN THE SLUM AREAS OFMANILA

The global impact of solid waste is growing fasterthan the rate of urbanization, a threat to humanitys survival, a crime against the environment.In Manila, Philippines, estuaries are the tributaries of waterways flowing to Manila Bay.This study evaluated the degree of commission of Ecological Solid Waste Management(ESWM)as an environmental crime among theinformal settlers of the major estuaries of Manila.Italso investigatedthe causes of waste crime commission among the respondents.Using descriptive evaluative research and a purposive sampling technique,480 served as respondents of the study.For the treatment and analysis of data, percentage method, four point likert scale and Pearson Product Moment of Coefficient Correlation r were utilized.Results showed thatcommunity residents are less aware of their violation of the Ecological Solid Waste Law as an environmental crime and non-participation of the waste management program as to waste disposal.The environmental officers moderately aware on the non-strict implementation of waste management programsamong estuary residents.It showed the very great extent on the commission ESWM law. Meanwhile, there is a significant relationship on the perception of the respondent as to information campaign of the government and values orientation. Values orientation explained highly significant amount of variance on the commission of ESWM law. The results indicated the importance of understanding the community concerns, sustainable solid waste management program, awareness of environmental crimes, enforcement and prosecution of environmental laws and willingness towards involvement critical for prevention and informing in solid waste waste management program, awareness of environmental crimes, enforcement and prosecution of environmental laws and willingness towards involvement in solid waste management improvement initiatives are critical for prevention and informing interventions.