The use of kinesiology taping for the management of symptoms and complications in the cancer care continuum by healthcare professionals: Findings from questionnaire survey and stakeholder event

Kinesiology taping (KT) is used in musculoskeletal practice for preventive and rehabilitative purposes. KT is also used in cancer to manage lymphoedema, however, there is little information available about the extent of its use. The aim of the study was to gather views of healthcare professionals on the attitudes, beliefs, and clinical use of KT for managing symptoms and complications in cancer. This was a cross-sectional online questionnaire survey of healthcare professionals including UK-registered nurses, physiotherapists, occupational-therapists, lymphoedema-therapists, and pain physicians using a non-probability self-select sampling technique. A stakeholder event was organized to discuss the survey findings and gain insights into their relevance in cancer care. Seventy-two percent of respondents (96/134) reported not using KT while only 28% of respondents (38/134) reported using KT, the majority of which were physiotherapists and nurses. Respondents reported that they frequently used KT for managing lymphoedema/oedema and scar tissue, and comparatively less frequently for pain and breathlessness. Respondents reported that the most frequent adverse event was skin irritation and that KT was contraindicated or administered with caution for patients with open wounds or fragile skin, especially following radiotherapy. The main barriers to widespread use of KT in cancer were lack of its awareness and research evidence on efficacy. The views expressed by the stakeholders aligned closely with those found by the survey. Stakeholders suggested that there was a need for training and research on the use of KT for cancer care. In conclusion, healthcare professionals working in cancer care settings may not be aware of KT as a potential therapy for managing symptoms and complications.