RecoverEsupport-A Digital Health Intervention for Recovery After Breast Cancer Surgery: Feasibility and Acceptability...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Digital Health
• Surgical Recovery

Background:

• Optimizing recovery after breast cancer surgery is crucial for patient function and adjuvant therapy.
• Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols guide patient behaviors like early mobilization and nutrition.
• Adherence to ERAS protocols is often suboptimal, highlighting a need for supportive strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the acceptability of the RecoverEsupport Breast digital health intervention (DHI).
• To evaluate the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial for the DHI.
• To improve adherence to ERAS recommendations in breast cancer surgery patients.

Main Methods:

• A single-site, 2-arm randomized pilot trial involving mastectomy patients.
• Participants received usual care or usual care plus the RecoverEsupport DHI.
• Feasibility assessed by recruitment, retention, data completeness, and safety; acceptability by usability, engagement, and recommendation.

Main Results:

• Recruitment (23/70) was below target, but retention and data completeness were 100%.
• No severe adverse events occurred; acceptability targets were met, with high usability (83.2/100) and recommendation rates (88%).
• Three of four feasibility targets were met, indicating a need for revised recruitment strategies.

Conclusions:

• The RecoverEsupport DHI is acceptable, safe, and engaging for breast cancer surgery patients.
• Trial feasibility was demonstrated, but recruitment barriers require addressing.
• Further development of recruitment strategies is necessary for a full-scale randomized controlled trial.