Analysis of Evaluation Methods, Resources and Recognition of Oncologic Physiotherapy in Distrito Federal Public Hospitals

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer is the name given to a group of malignant diseases characterized by unusual cell growth and which can spread to various regions of the body. Although it is annually responsible for 12.5% of deaths worldwide, it can be cured when diagnosed in its initial stages. Physiotherapy is part of a multidisciplinary health team that can respond to many of the oncologic patients' symptoms, having as its main purpose the patients' bio-psycho-social regeneration and the early recovery of functionality. Objective: This study aimed at describing the evaluation methods and the oncologic physiotherapy resources and at showing their recognition by patients with cancer and by doctors in public hospitals in the Federal District of Brazil. Methods: Questionnaires were filled out by 30 physiotherapists, 44 patients and 45 doctors in the public hospital network from the Secretary of Health in a transversal study. Results and Conclusion: The results showed that, in the sample studied, a specialization in oncologic physiotherapy does not exist, which results in a lack of standardization of physiotherapeutic evaluation and service for cancer patients. The majority of the doctors are not aware of the benefits associated with this treatment and do not indicate their patients to physiotherapists. However, even though the patients are not sent to physiotherapy, they do recognize that physiotherapy could contribute to their treatment.