Evaluating a digital prehabilitation tool in patients with colorectal surgery: protocol for a multisite randomised...

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Surgical Oncology
• Digital Health

Background:

• Colorectal cancer disproportionately affects older adults, a group at higher risk for surgical complications.
• Prehabilitation can mitigate surgical risks, but implementation faces barriers.
• A novel digital tool was developed with older adults to address these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a co-designed digital prehabilitation tool for older adults undergoing colorectal cancer surgery.
• To assess patient engagement with personalized prehabilitation programs generated by an algorithm.

Main Methods:

• A multisite, unblinded randomized trial involving 132 patients aged 65+ scheduled for colorectal cancer resection.
• Participants randomized 2:1 to receive a digital tool with a health coach or usual care with written materials.
• Primary outcome: patient engagement with prehabilitation activities.

Main Results:

• The study is currently enrolling patients and has not yet reported primary outcomes.
• The digital tool assesses patient-specific geriatric vulnerabilities to create tailored prehabilitation plans.
• Intervention group receives a web application and home health coach support.

Conclusions:

• The study will provide insights into the feasibility and effectiveness of digital prehabilitation for older surgical oncology patients.
• Successful implementation could improve outcomes for a high-risk demographic.
• Further research will determine the impact on surgical outcomes and patient recovery.