Implementing Surgery School Prehabilitation Using Telehealth

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE · Oct 7, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The STTARRS trial is studying how an online education program can help people preparing for major cancer surgeries, like lung or abdominal surgery. Just like training for a marathon, getting ready for surgery is important, and this program aims to improve patients’ understanding and preparedness. Researchers will compare the effects of this online program to usual care to see if it helps reduce complications after surgery, as well as improve recovery times, quality of life, and overall health after the procedure.

To be eligible for this trial, participants should be aged 65 and older and preparing for lung or major abdominal cancer surgery. They need to be able to understand English and provide consent, with approval from their surgeon. Participants can expect to receive valuable information and support through telehealth, which means they can access the program from home. There is also a sub-study for lung cancer patients that includes a personalized training program to help strengthen their breathing muscles and encourage walking before surgery. This trial is not yet recruiting, but it's an important step in helping patients feel more prepared and supported during their surgical journey.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Preparing for lung cancer (open or video assisted) or major abdominal cancer surgery (upper GI, hepatobiliary and colorectal, open or video assisted).
• • Provide consent
• • Have primary treating surgeon approval
• • Proficient in English to understand testing, video interventions as well as outcome assessments.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Concurrent, actively treated other malignancy of history of other malignancy treated within the past year,
• • Severe or unstable psychiatric, cognitive or substance abuse disorders, such that precludes informed consent or interferes with cooperation with trial requirements or current inpatients.