Development and content validation of the FisioCan-CP: a physiotherapy screening tool for patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative care in resource-limited communities

Introduction Physiotherapy plays a vital role in palliative care for patients with advanced cancer. However, access to physiotherapy is often limited in resource-limited communities. To address this gap, a screening tool tailored to clinical needs and contextual constraints is needed.Objective To develop and validate the content of the FisioCan-CP, a physiotherapy screening tool for patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative care in resource-limited communities.Methods A methodological study was conducted in two phases: (1) development of the instrument based on clinical data, targeted literature review, and expert brainstorming; and (2) content validation by Delphi method.Results Eleven preliminary items were generated and submitted to expert evaluation. In the first Delphi round, 10 items reached the consensus threshold, resulting in the exclusion of the delirium item, the merging of two functionality-related items, and the addition of fall risk. In the second round, all remaining items achieved high agreement (Content Validity Index >0.90). The final FisioCan-CP consists of 10 items: functional limitation, immobility syndrome, frailty, moderate/severe pain, asthenia/fatigue, lymphedema, vascular changes, pressure injuries, dyspnea, and fall risk.Conclusion The FisioCan-CP demonstrated strong content validity and provides an initial, conceptually grounded tool to support physiotherapy referral in palliative care.