Dr. Martin Harutyunyan
Rehabilitation is a core pillar of supportive care in pediatric oncology. It helps children regain mobility, strength, physical performance, and confidence during and after cancer treatment. Yet in many countries, including Czechia, rehabilitation is not consistently available, and families often struggle to access the support their children need.
A new national study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics provides the first comprehensive look at pediatric cancer rehabilitation in Czechia. The research team surveyed parents, physiotherapists, and rehabilitation physicians, creating a clear picture of needs, barriers, and workforce readiness across the country.
The findings show that rehabilitation needs are high, but access remains uneven. Sixty three percent of parents reported that their child needed rehabilitation during treatment, yet only fifty three percent received it. After treatment, unmet needs increased further. Children with spinal cord tumors and lymphoma had the highest unmet need, while children with acute leukemia had the lowest. Information gaps were common. Only half of parents said they were told that rehabilitation was part of their child’s care plan, and many learned about it only through their own efforts.
Rehabilitation proved to be a long term necessity. About one third of children needed rehabilitation for more than six months during treatment, and almost half needed more than six months after treatment. Families described difficulty finding local providers willing to treat pediatric oncology patients and often coordinated care on their own. Many were willing to travel long distances to reach specialized services, highlighting the need for structured pathways and better communication.
A major workforce challenge also emerged. Eighty percent of physiotherapists and seventy four percent of rehabilitation physicians rated their graduation level knowledge of pediatric oncology rehabilitation as insufficient. Most physiotherapists had treated very few pediatric oncology patients in their entire career. This lack of training creates understandable hesitation. It is not a lack of motivation — it is a lack of preparation, experience, and confidence.
Despite these barriers, interest in solutions is strong. Many physiotherapists and rehabilitation physicians expressed willingness to join RehaSÍŤ, a national competence network designed to connect oncology centers with community rehabilitation providers. Stakeholders expect clearer communication, accessible guidance, and smoother continuity of care across treatment phases and regions. The study provides the evidence base needed to build this network and strengthen supportive care for children across Czechia.
This national survey confirms a substantial gap between rehabilitation need and rehabilitation access. Families are committed. Providers want support. The system needs structured pathways, targeted education, and coordinated networks. Rehabilitation is essential, and supportive care makes excellent cancer care possible.