An International Survey of Physiotherapy Practice in Oncology: Service Provision, Education, and Research Needs From World Physiotherapy Member Organizations
Grainne Sheill, Caroline M. Speksnijder, Carolina Fernández-Lao, Amy M. DennettBackground:
Oncology physiotherapy is an emerging specialty practice area. To build oncology workforce capability, an assessment of physiotherapy education, training, and research needs is required. The objective of this study was to explore the needs of World Physiotherapy membership organizations related to oncology physiotherapy service provision, education, and research in their country.
Methods:
Oncology representatives from each World Physiotherapy member organization were asked to complete a cross-sectional survey between May and July 2025. The survey comprised 2 parts: (1) service provision, education, and research needs; (2) individual demographics and learning needs.
Results:
Thirty-four responses were received. Over half the respondents were from high-income countries (n = 23, 68%) and were female (n = 21, 62%), with 21 years of clinical experience (standard deviation = 10 years). Most countries reported having an oncology special interest group, but only 9 (26%) had a specialist register. Care was typically provided in both public and private health services. Cancer prehabilitation services were least available (n = 10, 29%), but rehabilitation was widely available (n = 27, 79%) with no differences in proportions by country income level. Postgraduate oncology training was reported in 11 countries, and the greatest need was for knowledge related to assessment protocols and outcome measures. There was demand for the provision of more oncology-specific postgraduate education, especially in low-middle-income countries. Funding was reported as the greatest limitation to research.
Conclusion:
Oncology was reported as a physiotherapy specialty in mostly high-income countries. There is a need for more development and access to oncology-related physiotherapy education across the world to facilitate wider service provision and research.