Understanding Barriers and Facilitators of Oncology Rehabilitation Referral: A Scoping Review 1073

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

5:15 PM - 5:30 PM

Location: ROOM: Waldorf Room >>> DIRECTIONS: Third Floor >>> From the Main Elevator Bank, proceed left. Waldorf is the first room on your left.

Presenting Author(s)

khawla loubani, PhD (she/her/hers)

Academic Researcher University lecturer
Ben-Gurion University
Nof hagalil, HaZafon, Israel

Slides Slides
Katie M. Polo, DHS, OTR, CLT-LANA, FAOTA (she/her/hers)

Professor
School of Occupational Therapy, University of Indianapolis Pronouns: she/her/hers
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Non-presenting Author(s)

TB

Taylor Brown

OTD
Indianapolis university
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
KS

Korrin Schalhamer

OTD
Indianapolis University
Indianapolis, United States
AG

Alexandria Gilley

OTD
Indianapolis University
Indianapolis, United States
MJ

Morgan Jones

OTD
Indianapolis University
Indianapolis, United States
CM

Cara Murphy

OTD
Indianapolis University
Indianapolis, United States
OW

Olivia Witteborg

OTD
Indianapolis University
Indianapolis, United States
RG

Rachel Graves

OTD
Indianapolis University
Indianapolis, United States

This scoping review examined barriers and facilitators to rehabilitation referral for people living with and beyond cancer (PLWBC), addressing the persistent underutilization of rehabilitation despite its recognized benefits in oncology care. A comprehensive search of six databases and grey literature identified 25 studies (2011–2025) that met inclusion criteria, primarily focused on palliative care populations. Data were charted and thematically synthesized using the Arksey and O’Malley framework.

Four key themes emerged: (1) Oncologists’ perceptions—some providers believed their care was sufficient or were concerned about overburdening patients, limiting referrals; (2) Social determinants of health—disparities in referral were linked to race, age, education, and socioeconomic status, indicating systemic inequities; (3) Cancer characteristics—referral likelihood varied based on diagnosis, symptoms, stage, and timing within the cancer trajectory; and (4) Multidisciplinary communication—poor coordination, limited interprofessional education, and lack of standardized screening hindered referrals, while facilitators included team-based approaches and functional screening tools.

Findings highlight gaps in provider awareness, interdisciplinary collaboration, and equitable access across the continuum of cancer care. Most existing research is concentrated in palliative settings, with limited insight into early care and survivorship phases. Addressing these barriers requires targeted efforts in provider education, systemic support for equitable referral practices, development and implementation of screening practices for rehabilitation referral, and improved interprofessional communication. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies across diverse oncology care settings to enhance rehabilitation access and outcomes for PLWBC.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion, participant will be able to identify and describe key barriers and facilitators influencing rehabilitation referrals for people living with and beyond cancer.
Upon completion, participants will be able to analyze the impact of provider perceptions, social determinants of health, and cancer-related factors on referral practices.
Upon completion, participants will be able to discuss strategies to promote equitable and interdisciplinary referral processes in oncology rehabilitation settings.