Exercise program for oncology care professionals to reduce burnout
Official title: The Cost of Caring: Examining the Role of Exercise in Mitigating Oncology Care Provider Burnout (C4C+)
Run by Nova Scotia Health Authority · NCT05884073 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether a 12-week exercise program, where oncology care professionals can choose between circuit training or walking in nature, can help reduce their burnout and improve their well-being.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Nova Scotia Health Authority Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Halifax, Nova Scotia and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 2, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05884073 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are oncology care providers aged 18 and older who work within the Nova Scotia Cancer Care Program and are willing to engage in low-to-moderate intensity physical activity.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who exceed the Canadian physical activity guidelines or have health conditions that prevent safe participation in exercise will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a 12-week exercise intervention designed for oncology care providers experiencing burnout. Participants will choose between two exercise groups: supervised circuit-based resistance training or nature-based walking. The study will assess the impact of these interventions on the well-being of healthcare professionals who care for cancer patients. Group assignment will be based on participant preference, allowing for personalized engagement in the program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce burnout and improve the mental health of oncology care professionals.
How similar studies have gone: While there is growing interest in exercise interventions for healthcare professionals, this specific approach focusing on oncology care providers is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years of age or older; * Able to speak/write in English; * Must be providing formal care to cancer patients in a clinical setting within the Halifax Municipality; * Actively practicing within the Nova Scotia Cancer Care Program; and * Able and willing to engage in low-to-moderate intensity physical activity. Exclusion Criteria: * Exceeding Canadian physical activity guidelines of 150-minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week; and * Any health condition that would preclude safe participation in a new exercise program.
Where it's running
-
Physical Activity and Cancer (PAC) Lab
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Recruiting -
Physical Activity and Cancer (PAC) Lab
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Melanie Keats, PhD
- Email: melanie.keats@dal.ca
- Phone: 902-494-7173
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Impact of Communication Delays on Anesthesia Response in Medical Emergencies and Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Blocks
This study tests how an 80-second communication delay affects the speed and quality of regional anesthesia nerve blocks during emergencies in a spaceflight-like setting.
-
Virtual app to support breast and colorectal cancer survivors
This study will test whether a mobile app helps breast and colorectal cancer survivors after primary treatment manage follow-up care and find community and health-system resources.
-
Ablation versus medication for atrial fibrillation in people with preserved or mildly reduced heart function
This trial will randomly assign adults with atrial fibrillation and heart failure with preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction to either catheter ablation (rhythm control) or medications for rate control to see which approach leads to better survival, fewer hospital stays, and improved quality of life.
-
Pharmacist prescribing to improve kidney care for people with type 2 diabetes
This project will test whether pharmacist prescribing guided by step-by-step algorithms helps adults with type 2 diabetes and early diabetic kidney disease who lack a regular doctor start recommended kidney‑protecting medications.
-
Yoga for Stroke: testing virtual and in-person LoveYourBrain yoga programs
We’re testing whether virtual or in-person LoveYourBrain Yoga is feasible and helps with balance, walking, mood, and quality of life for adults in Nova Scotia who have had a stroke.
-
Virtual reality visual field testing for people with open-angle glaucoma
This will test whether a virtual reality visual field test can match the standard Humphrey Field Analyzer for people with open‑angle glaucoma.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.