Mary Brentnall Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist Iain Rennie Grove House Hospice Care

1. Mary Brentnall Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist Iain Rennie Grove House Hospice Care Volunteer led exercise groups for Day Hospice patients What are the benefits of exercise for palliative care patients? A recent evidence review by Macmillan Cancer Support has shown that the role of exercise is important for cancer patients at all stages of the disease. Physical activity can help maintain independence and well being and help with the recovery of physical function. At the Day Hospice we have recognised the value of exercise since 2001 when Volunteer led exercise groups were first introduced. What is the role of the Specialist Physiotherapist? The Physiotherapist plays a crucial role in leading the promotion of exercise as part of a rehabilitative and restorative approach to the care and treatment of patients. Consideration was given to the use of the limited physiotherapy resource and the demand and needs of patients within the Day Hospice setting. The use of qualified and supervised volunteers was considered an effective way of delivering exercise to patients. Who are the Volunteers? The volunteers come with a variety of qualifications and experience including PE instructors, a retired physiotherapist, a T’ai Chi instructor and with an Extend diploma. All the volunteers are interviewed, CRB checked, have references taken and complete comprehensive induction training. . • Working with the Volunteers • The emphasis is on safe and holistic care for patients, the Day Hospice nurses work with the volunteers to ensure that they are updated about changes in patients’ conditions and feedback is given on how the patients’ have participated within the group. The Physiotherapist also meets regularly with the volunteers and Day Hospice staff • What do the patients say? • Each week approximately 30 patients attend the daily sessions. A recent survey of the patients identified that they valued the group for improving their breathing, relaxation, movement and flexibility, mobility, increasing their energy levels, stimulating their body and mind and the benefits of sharing the experience with other patients. Significantly a number of patients identified also completing the exercises at home. • Patient feedback also showed that the groups were well organised and that the volunteers put a lot of effort into the routines and consider the individual needs of patients. • One patient said we should ‘make it compulsory’. • In conclusion the exercise groups work • For the patients • For the organisation due to effective use of Volunteers and the Specialist Physiotherapist • References: • Macmillan Cancer Support 2011: Move More – Physical Activity the underrated ‘wonder drug’ • Rosen et al (2006 )Future trends and challenges for cancer services in England • Rehabilitation in Cancer Care, Wiley – Blackwell publishing 2008