The Impact of Prehabilitation

Launched by BOSTON MEDICAL CENTER · Dec 12, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of a program called "prehabilitation" on patients who are having surgery, particularly focusing on those from lower-income backgrounds. Prehabilitation involves preparing for surgery through exercises and healthy eating to help improve recovery. The researchers believe that tailored, low-cost interventions can help these patients recover better by making it easier for them to move around and leave the hospital faster after surgery.

To be eligible for this trial, participants should be adults scheduled for surgery in the general surgery, colorectal, or surgical oncology departments at Boston Medical Center. They must be able to walk without assistance, speak either English or Spanish, and have access to a cell phone with internet and texting. Participants will be seen at several points: before surgery, just before the procedure, during their hospital stay, and at a follow-up appointment after they leave the hospital. Half of the participants will take part in the prehabilitation program, which includes tracking their steps and mobility, while the other half will receive standard care. This trial aims to find out if these simple interventions can lead to better outcomes for patients who often face more barriers to healthcare.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients within general surgery, colorectal, and surgical oncology departments at Boston Medical Center.
• • English or Spanish speaking
• • Able to ambulate without cane, walker, wheelchair
• • Surgery scheduled within 4-8 weeks
• • Must have cell phone with internet access and text message capabilities
• • JH-HLM score of 6
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Limited/non readers (less than 5th grade reading level), assessed via comprehension of consent materials