Background: Physical activity has demonstrated benefits in alleviating side effects and improving well-being in people with cancer. However, activity levels remain low during systemic treatment. Nurses are optimally positioned to lead interventions fostering an activity-friendly culture.
Objective: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and potential effects of the nurse-led, interprofessionally developed physical activity concept OncoMoveNurse in an outpatient oncology setting.
Methods: Using a mixed-methods design over 15 months (10/2024-12/2025), the study includes implementation and evaluation phases. Quantitative data (n=50 patients, collected from 06/2025-09/2025) will assess primary (physical activity behavior) and secondary outcomes (self-efficacy, well-being, mood) via validated PROMs. Qualitative insights will be gathered through digital storytelling (n=2 patients, n=2 nurses) and one focus group (n=8 interprofessional team members). Inclusion criteria for patients include age ≥18, cancer diagnosis, at least three treatments in the day clinic, and sufficient German language skills.
Intervention: OncoMoveNurse comprises five adaptable components: modular activity structure, safety framework, communication strategy, a team approach, and person-centered orientation. Supporting materials (e.g., posters, videos, exercise tools) and tailored implementation strategies were co-developed in alignment with core values.
Analysis: Quantitative data will be analyzed using SPSS (paired t-tests, p\<.05); qualitative data via content analysis in MAXQDA. A mixed-methods synthesis will integrate findings.
Ethics \& Data Protection: Patient data collection will commence following ethics approval. All data are anonymized, stored securely, and handled in accordance with Swiss data protection laws.
Conclusion: This study will provide insights into the feasibility of nurse-led physical activity promotion in outpatient oncology and inform future outcome evaluations.
diagnosis of cancer,
at least three treatments at the oncology outpatient clinic in Münsterlingen during the study period,
aged ≥18 years, and
sufficient knowledge of German.
pregnancy
cancer patients who are treated at oncology day clinic
Other
Prospective
Not listed
physical activity behaviour
Physical activity behavior will be assessed using the "Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Assessment Questionnaire" (BSA). The BSA consists of 16 items that capture the duration of physical activity in minutes per day across different intensity levels (light, moderate, vigorous), as well as daily sedentary time. Responses are aggregated and converted into minutes per week. The questionnaire demonstrates good internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha ranging from 0.82 to 0.89, and test-retest reliability of r = 0.76. Construct validity has been confirmed through correlations with accelerometer data (r = 0.68), and discriminant validity has been demonstrated by significant differences between active and inactive groups.
Self-efficacy for physical activity
Self-efficacy for physical activity will be measured using the Self-Efficacy for Physical Activity Scale (SSA). The SSA assesses an individual's subjective belief in their ability to maintain regular physical activity despite potential barriers. The questionnaire comprises 12 items rated on a 7-point Likert scale, anchored by the verbal descriptors: not at all confident, maybe, and completely confident. The scale score for each participant is calculated as the arithmetic mean of all 12 item scores. The internal consistency of the SSA is high, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.89 \[36\].
health-related quality of life
The EORTC QLQ-C30 is a standardized questionnaire used to assess health-related quality of life in individuals with cancer \[37, 38\]. It consists of 30 items organized into five functional scales (physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and role functioning), three symptom scales (fatigue, pain, nausea/vomiting), a global health status/quality of life scale, and several single-item symptom measures. Responses are given on a four-point Likert scale (1 = not at all to 4 = very much). Scale scores are standardized, with higher scores on the functional scales indicating better quality of life. The internal consistency of the functional scales ranges from Cronbach's alpha = 0.70 to 0.90. The questionnaire demonstrates good test-retest reliability, as well as strong construct and criterion validity, and is widely used in oncological research.
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St.Gallen University of Applied Sciences
Lead sponsor
Kantonsspital Münsterlingen
Collaborator
