Virtual Group Prehabilitation Education (Surgery School) Feasibility Trial
This study is about a programme called 'GoPREPARE', designed to help people prepare for major cancer surgery. One in four patients have issues after big operations, and preparing beforehand (called prehabilitation) can help. This involves things like increasing activity, improving diet, and looking after your emotional health. GoPREPARE is an improved education programme developed with patient input. We want to see if it's practical to test GoPREPARE with 24 cancer patients at University Hospital Plymouth. Half will get GoPREPARE, and half will receive usual care. We'll ask about their lifestyle and interview some participants and staff to help us plan a larger study in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When you're preparing for a big operation, especially for cancer, getting yourself in the best possible shape can make a real difference to your recovery. About one in four people who have major surgery experience complications. This study is looking at an approach called 'prehabilitation', which involves improving your fitness, eating well, and looking after your mental wellbeing before your operation to help reduce these problems.
Many hospitals already offer group classes, often called 'surgery schools', to help patients prepare. However, we don't yet have enough strong evidence to show exactly how much these classes help patients recover better. In earlier parts of this research, we worked with patients to create and improve an education package called 'GoPREPARE', making sure it's easy to understand and engaging.
Now, we want to check if it's practical to properly test GoPREPARE with more patients. This first step, called a 'feasibility trial', will help us understand if we can successfully run a much larger study in the future. We'll learn about how easy it is to recruit patients, if they find the programme helpful, and what challenges might come up. This information is really important for designing a bigger study to find out if GoPREPARE genuinely helps patients recover better after cancer surgery.
Key takeaways
- Study aims to test a new pre-surgery education programme called 'GoPREPARE'.
- Prehabilitation helps patients prepare physically and emotionally for surgery.
- This is a small first step to see if a bigger study is possible.
- Participation involves questionnaires and possibly an interview.
- Your standard medical care will not be affected.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you must be an adult aged 18 or over who is having planned surgery for cancer. This surgery must be intended to cure your cancer, and you should have at least three weeks before your operation date. You also cannot have had prehabilitation before.
There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. These include if you are under 18, if you're unable to make your own decisions, or if you don't understand spoken English. If you have been pregnant, or if you've already had surgery for cancer, you wouldn't be able to take part either. Finally, if you've previously taken part in a prehabilitation programme, you would not be eligible for this study.
- I am aged 18 or over.
- I am having planned surgery for cancer which aims to cure it.
- I have at least 3 weeks until my planned surgery date.
- I have not had any prehabilitation programmes before.
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll be one of 24 patients. You'll be randomly put into one of two groups. One group will take part in the 'GoPREPARE' education programme, and the other group will receive the usual care you'd get before surgery. We won't know which group you're in until after you've joined.
Throughout your involvement, you'll be asked to complete some questionnaires about your lifestyle. These will be done before your surgery, while you're in hospital, and again after you go home. Around eight participants will also be interviewed about their experiences of pre-surgery preparation and the study itself. Five clinical staff involved in the trial will also share their feedback in a group discussion. The total duration of your participation will cover the period up to and including your hospital stay for surgery, and a short time afterwards. There are no study medications involved.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University Hospitals Plymouth NHS TrustPlymouth, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is 'prehabilitation'?
It's about getting fitter, eating better, and looking after your mood before surgery to help you recover well.
What is 'GoPREPARE'?
It's an education programme designed to help people prepare for major cancer surgery.
Will I definitely get the 'GoPREPARE' programme?
No, you'll be randomly assigned to either the GoPREPARE group or the group receiving standard care.
How long will I be involved in the study?
You'll be involved from before your surgery, during your hospital stay, and for a short time after you go home.
Will my regular treatment be affected if I join?
No, your standard medical care will not be affected whether you join the study or not, or if you decide to leave it.
How to find out more
Imogen C Fecher-Jones, MSc
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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