Implementation of a Prehabilitation Program for Surgical Patients

Implementation of a Prehabilitation Pilot Program for Individuals With Frailty Undergoing Oncologic Surgery

Frailty is a state of increased vulnerability to stressors with increased rates of poor outcomes. Surgery is one of these stressors, and previous research has therefore shown increased rates of morbidity and mortality in frail patients undergoing surgery. Prehabilitation programs can help mitigate the negative outcomes associated with frailty. The investigators hope to implement a newly developed prehabilitation pilot program in the Maine Medical Center Surgical Oncology Clinic to initially evaluate adherence, self-efficacy, and health-related quality of life.

Frailty is a state of increased vulnerability to stressors with increased rates of poor outcomes. Surgery is one of these stressors, and previous research has therefore shown increased rates of morbidity and mortality in frail patients undergoing surgery. Prehabilitation programs can help mitigate the negative outcomes associated with frailty. The investigators hope to implement a newly developed prehabilitation pilot program in the Maine Medical Center Surgical Oncology Clinic to initially evaluate adherence, self-efficacy, and health-related quality of life.

The investigators now hope to implement this prehabilitation program in the clinics at Maine Medical Center. Our long term goal is the introduce this program in all surgical specialties; but first, the investigators plan to assess adherence, patient self-efficacy, frailty and health-related quality of life through a pilot study in the surgical oncology clinic.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Subjects ≥18 years old
2. Evaluated at Maine Medical Center by surgical oncology service
3. Planned surgical intervention for gastrointestinal oncologic condition
4. Score ≥40 on Risk Analysis Index frailty screening
5. Physically able to participate in prehabilitation exercises
6. Home internet access and established email account
7. Able to understand the English language

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients unable to participate in exercises included in prehabilitation program
2. Patients with impaired decision making capacity
3. Those in a high risk community: prisoners and pregnant women
4. Those who do not meet the above inclusion criteria