MSc in Human Biology thesis defense

Thursday, July 6, 2023, 9:00 am, Don and Marion McDougall Hall, Room 243

Presenter:  Kevin Douillette

Title: Patient and Staff Perceptions of Exercise Programs for Hemodialysis and Cancer Patients

Abstract: The importance of exercise is crucial for apparently healthy individuals and can be even more important for clinical populations. The purpose of this study was to examine patient and healthcare professional (HCP) perceptions of exercise programs aimed at cancer patients/survivors and hemodialysis patients. Pre-identified codes were used to conduct individual semi-structured interviews with seven cancer and hemodialysis patients (three men and four women) between the ages of 26 and 78 and eight HCPs (two men and six women) between the ages of 30 and 50. Themes from HCPs were health-related barriers, healthy behaviour changes, increased knowledge, and client-centered exercise programs. Themes from the patients were lack of awareness, healthy behaviour changes, social support, and increased exercise knowledge. Based on the results of this study, it is evident that both the HCPs and patients believe that there is value in participating in exercise programs for cancer and hemodialysis patients.

Everyone is welcome.