Prehabilitation for surgical oncology patients: empowering patient volition

Prehabilitation is the improvement of patient health in anticipation of a physiological stressor, such as major surgery. Prehabilitation optimizes health by taking a proactive approach to promoting exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle modifications. Engaging patients in the pre-operative phase provides an opportunity to positively impact their recovery and return to functional baseline by reducing post-operative deconditioning. At the Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, Canada, the Interprofessional Multidisciplinary Prehabilitation Assessment Consultation Team (IMPACT-Surgical Oncology) was developed. The program was initiated in January 2015 and assesses approximately 3-5 patients/week (with a total of over 250 patients so far). This program offers patients individualized pre-operative assessments, including medical optimization, functional, and nutritional assessments, as well as counseling for mood-related issues, smoking/alcohol cessation, and preparing for surgery (such as ensuring adequate home supports/functional equipment prior to surgery). By providing holistic, person-centered, individualized pre-operative optimization strategies, patients and families feel empowered, motivated, and in control of their own health.