Consumer Perspectives on the Adoption of a Prehabilitation Multimodal Online Program for Patients Undergoing Cancer Surgery

SIMPLE SUMMARY: This study explored the views of 30 gastrointestinal cancer patients on the adoption of a prehabilitation multimodal program, including exercise, nutrition and psychological counselling, which was delivered via e-Health. Most of the patients undergoing gastrointestinal cancer surgery were confident using technology, perceived the preoperative online program safe to be delivered at home, and of potential benefit to their wellbeing. However, “poor preoperative health”, “lack of motivation” and “lack of personal encouragement” were identified as the main barriers to the uptake of a preoperative online program. The safety and efficacy of the online program would need to be tested in a larger randomised controlled trial. ABSTRACT: This study aimed to explore patients’ perspectives on the adoption of a prehabilitation multimodal online program. Patients recovering from gastrointestinal cancer surgery at a tertiary hospital between October 2021 and November 2022 were invited to participate. An e-Health program including intensity exercises, nutrition and psychological counselling was used. Patients were instructed to navigate the e-Health program over 24 h using an iPad and then complete the study survey. Patients’ characteristics, use of technology, views and minimal expected outcomes from a preoperative online program were collected. Of the 30 patients included, most were female, most reported confidence in the use of technology, most considered the online program safe and most agreed it would be beneficial for their health. “Poor preoperative health” and “lack of motivation and encouragement” were identified as the main barriers to the uptake of a preoperative online program, while program ‘simplicity’ and perceived ‘benefits’ were the main facilitators. Significant improvement in postoperative outcomes is perceived to influence patients’ willingness to participate in a preoperative multimodal e-Health program. Gastrointestinal cancer patients perceived the adoption of a preoperative multimodal e-Health application as safe to be performed at home and of potential benefit to their health. A range of patient’s characteristics, barriers and facilitators to the uptake of an online program were identified. These should be considered in future preoperative multimodal online programs to enhance patient experience, adherence and efficacy. The safety and efficacy of the online prehabilitation program will need to be determined in a larger randomized controlled trial.