Files and links (1)
Published VersionCC BY V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Triage tools to inform the prioritisation of physical health services following a diagnosis of cancer: a scoping review
Supportive Care in Cancer, Vol.33, pp.1-13
2025
Appears in UniSC Supported Open Access Outputs
Abstract
Many people face multiple cancer- and treatment-related sequalae. Triage and referral to physical health services can manage such consequences, but a comprehensive understanding of available triage tools is lacking. This review (i) identifies tools used to triage to physical health services, (ii) maps tool characteristics and application outcomes and (iii) summarises existing gaps.PURPOSEMany people face multiple cancer- and treatment-related sequalae. Triage and referral to physical health services can manage such consequences, but a comprehensive understanding of available triage tools is lacking. This review (i) identifies tools used to triage to physical health services, (ii) maps tool characteristics and application outcomes and (iii) summarises existing gaps.A systematic search was conducted (three databases, April 2024). Articles were included if they used a tool to triage to physical health services. Tools were classified by triaged disciplines (i.e., diet, exercise, physical rehabilitation, multidisciplinary) and screened physical impairments (e.g., malnutrition). Tool characteristics (e.g., triage method) and application outcomes (i.e., reach, triage rates) were extracted.METHODSA systematic search was conducted (three databases, April 2024). Articles were included if they used a tool to triage to physical health services. Tools were classified by triaged disciplines (i.e., diet, exercise, physical rehabilitation, multidisciplinary) and screened physical impairments (e.g., malnutrition). Tool characteristics (e.g., triage method) and application outcomes (i.e., reach, triage rates) were extracted.Of 23,369 records retrieved, 67 studies were included. Studies comprised 78 instances of tool use (64 unique tools), where n = 33 triaged to dietetics (42%), n = 6 exercise (8%), n = 11 physical rehabilitation (14%), and n = 28 a combination of health disciplines (36%). Mean age was 65 years. Most tools were used during-treatment (45%), in hospital settings (62%), measured malnutrition/physical function (60%) and used single cut-off scores (68%). Reach and triage rates varied, with exercise (reach = 89%) and diet (triage = 63%) rates highest.RESULTSOf 23,369 records retrieved, 67 studies were included. Studies comprised 78 instances of tool use (64 unique tools), where n = 33 triaged to dietetics (42%), n = 6 exercise (8%), n = 11 physical rehabilitation (14%), and n = 28 a combination of health disciplines (36%). Mean age was 65 years. Most tools were used during-treatment (45%), in hospital settings (62%), measured malnutrition/physical function (60%) and used single cut-off scores (68%). Reach and triage rates varied, with exercise (reach = 89%) and diet (triage = 63%) rates highest.Many physical health triage tools exist, most solely for dietetics, with heterogeneous characteristics and application outcomes. Updated tools are needed for triage to exercise/physical rehabilitation, multiple age cohorts across the cancer continuum, and that potentially use multiple cut-off scores. Cancer care professionals can use this compendium to identify which tool characteristics best suit their healthcare setting, for optimal outcomes.CONCLUSIONMany physical health triage tools exist, most solely for dietetics, with heterogeneous characteristics and application outcomes. Updated tools are needed for triage to exercise/physical rehabilitation, multiple age cohorts across the cancer continuum, and that potentially use multiple cut-off scores. Cancer care professionals can use this compendium to identify which tool characteristics best suit their healthcare setting, for optimal outcomes.
Details
- Title
- Triage tools to inform the prioritisation of physical health services following a diagnosis of cancer: a scoping review
- Authors
- Georgia L White - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of HealthLauren C Capozzi - University of CalgaryCorey Linton - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Public HealthAdrian Wright - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of HealthTamara Jones - The University of MelbourneHattie H Wright - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Nutrition & DieteticsKate A Bolam - Swedish School of Sport and Health SciencesElizabeth A Johnston - Queensland University of TechnologyBriana K Clifford - UNSW SydneyKeegan Bean - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of HealthStephanie Brown - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of HealthSarah Kolesaric - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of HealthMary A Kennedy - Edith Cowan UniversityBryan A Chan - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of HealthGrace L Rose (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science
- Publication details
- Supportive Care in Cancer, Vol.33, pp.1-13
- Publisher
- Springer
- Date published
- 2025
- DOI
- 10.1007/s00520-025-09816-9
- ISSN
- 1433-7339; 0941-4355
- Copyright note
- This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article's Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article's Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
- Data Availability
- No datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.
- Organisation Unit
- Healthy Ageing Research Cluster; School of Health; School of Health - Nutrition & Dietetics; Thompson Institute; Cancer Research Cluster; School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science; External; School of Health - Public Health
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991149340002621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
1 File views/ downloads
44 Record Views