Triage tools to inform the prioritisation of physical health services following a diagnosis of cancer: a scoping review.

Tamara Jones, Stephanie Brown, Kate A Bolam, Hattie H Wright, Elizabeth A Johnston, Grace L Rose, Mary A Kennedy, Lauren C Capozzi, Georgia L White, Corey Linton, Adrian Wright, Briana K Clifford, Keegan Bean, Sarah Kolesaric, Bryan A Chan

Journal: Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer 2025;33(9):760

PMID: 40767922

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Abstract

PURPOSE

Many people face multiple cancer- and treatment-related sequalae. Triage and referral to physical health services can manage such consequences, but a comprehensive understanding of available triage tools is lacking. This review (i) identifies tools used to triage to physical health services, (ii) maps tool characteristics and application outcomes and (iii) summarises existing gaps.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted (three databases, April 2024). Articles were included if they used a tool to triage to physical health services. Tools were classified by triaged disciplines (i.e., diet, exercise, physical rehabilitation, multidisciplinary) and screened physical impairments (e.g., malnutrition). Tool characteristics (e.g., triage method) and application outcomes (i.e., reach, triage rates) were extracted.

RESULTS

Of 23,369 records retrieved, 67 studies were included. Studies comprised 78 instances of tool use (64 unique tools), where n = 33 triaged to dietetics (42%), n = 6 exercise (8%), n = 11 physical rehabilitation (14%), and n = 28 a combination of health disciplines (36%). Mean age was 65 years. Most tools were used during-treatment (45%), in hospital settings (62%), measured malnutrition/physical function (60%) and used single cut-off scores (68%). Reach and triage rates varied, with exercise (reach = 89%) and diet (triage = 63%) rates highest.

CONCLUSION

Many physical health triage tools exist, most solely for dietetics, with heterogeneous characteristics and application outcomes. Updated tools are needed for triage to exercise/physical rehabilitation, multiple age cohorts across the cancer continuum, and that potentially use multiple cut-off scores. Cancer care professionals can use this compendium to identify which tool characteristics best suit their healthcare setting, for optimal outcomes.

Address: School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia.; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.; School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.; Person-Centred Research, Eastern Health Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.; School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia.; Sunshine Coast Health Institute, Birtinya, Queensland, Australia.; Cardiometabolic Health and Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.; Department of Physical Activity and Health, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden.; Viertel Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.; School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.; School of Health Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.; Nutrition and Health Innovation Research Institute, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia.; School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia.; Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Birtinya, Queensland, Australia.; School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia. [email protected].; Sunshine Coast Health Institute, Birtinya, Queensland, Australia. [email protected].

DOI: 10.1007/s00520-025-09816-9