A new study investigating patient experiences in cancer prehabilitation has revealed crucial insights for improving program participation and adherence rates. The research, conducted at Zuyderland Medical Center in the Netherlands, examined patient perspectives on the "BEFORE" multimodal prehabilitation program for colorectal cancer surgery.
Key Program Components and Patient Feedback
The study evaluated a 4-week supervised prehabilitation program that combined in-hospital exercise training with nutritional intervention. Through in-depth interviews with six participants aged 72-77 years, researchers identified several factors critical to program success.
Patients strongly preferred the in-hospital exercise component, citing expert supervision and quality facilities as major advantages over home-based alternatives. The program's structured approach, featuring three weekly sessions of strength and high-intensity exercises, received positive feedback for its personalized nature and professional guidance.
"The hospital setting provided excellent facilities, good devices, and expert therapists. The guidance was excellent," reported one study participant.
Barriers and Implementation Challenges
Despite overall positive reception, researchers identified several barriers to program participation:
- Transportation difficulties for patients without personal vehicles
- Fixed meal portions that were sometimes too large
- Logistical challenges in coordinating hospital visits
- Initial concerns about treatment delays
The nutritional intervention component received mixed reviews, with some patients finding the protein-rich meals beneficial while others struggled with portion sizes and dietary restrictions.
Recommendations for Future Programs
Based on patient feedback, the study recommends several key modifications for future prehabilitation programs:
- Providing clear information about program benefits and timing
- Ensuring flexible, personalized exercise routines
- Offering transportation support options
- Allowing customization of meal portions and content
- Maintaining supervised, in-hospital training sessions
Clinical Implications
The findings suggest that successful prehabilitation programs should prioritize personalization while maintaining professional supervision. Dr. M.A.T. Sier, the study's lead researcher, emphasized that future research should focus on evaluating the impact of these personalized approaches on participation and compliance rates.
"To improve participation and compliance, ensuring a feasible training location and personalized program for both physical exercise and food during prehabilitation seems important," the researchers concluded.
The study's results provide valuable guidance for healthcare institutions looking to implement or improve prehabilitation programs, particularly for elderly cancer patients preparing for major surgery.
