Adopting a collaborative approach in developing a prehabilitation program for patients with prostate cancer utilising...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Patient Care
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Patient engagement in prehabilitation programs before cancer treatment presents challenges.
• Understanding the patient and health professional perspectives is crucial for program development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the prostate cancer treatment journey using experience-based co-design (EBCD).
• To collaboratively develop a prehabilitation program for prostate cancer patients.

Main Methods:

• Experience-based co-design (EBCD) methodology was employed.
• Patients, support persons, and health professionals participated in workshops.
• Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes.

Main Results:

• Twenty participants (8 patients, 1 support person, 11 health professionals) were recruited.
• Key touchpoints in the treatment journey were identified.
• Patients reported stress and frustration, highlighting a need for consistent preparation.
• A structured prehabilitation program with practical implementation ideas was proposed.

Conclusions:

• Study findings offer practical guidance for implementing prehabilitation programs.
• Further research is needed to evaluate the program's effectiveness in enhancing patient engagement and preparedness.