Identifying aspects of physiotherapy and occupational therapy provision in community palliative rehabilitation that could improve outcomes: A realist review

Background:

The provision of physiotherapy and occupational therapy in palliative care is often poorly understood. There is currently no guidance on how to deliver these services in the community, potentially leading to unwarranted variation in practice and unmet patient need.

Aim:

To identify aspects of physiotherapy and occupational therapy provision in community palliative rehabilitation that could improve outcomes.

Design:

A realist review of the literature following RAMESES standards, with stakeholder input throughout.

Data sources:

Iterative literature searches were conducted from September 2023 to April 2024. All relevant data sources relating to delivery of physiotherapy and occupational therapy in community palliative care were included.

Results:

Forty-two international publications were included, published between 2000 and 2023. Five key aspects were identified: (1) Early referral into community palliative rehabilitation. (2) Layered model, basing level of service on complexity of needs. Within this, clinicians without professional qualifications deliver simple interventions after assessment by a qualified physiotherapist or occupational therapist while specialist clinicians review more complex presentations. Services are cohesive by being integrated with primary care, other community services and specialist medical and palliative care and there is representation of physiotherapists and occupational therapists within leadership teams. (3) Holistic assessments form the backbone of the service with personalised interventions tailored to patients’ needs and goals. (4) Accessible and flexible services are offered to meet patients’ needs throughout their palliative journey. (5) Information and education for patients and carers are available throughout.

Conclusions:

Integrating these five key aspects of physiotherapy and occupational therapy provision into community palliative rehabilitation could help ensure palliative patients receive the therapy they need.