An evaluation of the St Christopher's Hospice rehabilitation gym circuits classes: Patient uptake, outcomes, and feedback

AbstractBackgroundEvidence suggests exercise may benefit patients with advanced progressive illness and some hospice day services now provide dedicated gym space. However, supporting data for such a service development are limited. We describe patient referrals, interventions, feedback, and potential impact of a nine-session, outpatient, hospice-based, circuit exercise programme.MethodsConsecutive referrals to physiotherapy over a 6-month period commencing March 2013 were followed prospectively. Physical function (short physical performance battery (SPPB), grip strength), fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy), psychological well-being (General Health Questionnaire), and patient satisfaction (FACIT-PS) were assessed pre- and post-programme.ResultsOf 212 referrals, 61 (29%) with a range of cancer and non-cancer diagnoses (median [inter-quartile range] survival 67 [50–137] days) were considered appropriate for the circuits of whom 54 (89%) started. There were no statistical differences b...