O086 Prehabilitation: what is the best approach for patients with cancer undergoing surgery?

Abstract Introduction Evidence suggests that physical fitness interventions, mental health support and nutritional advice before surgery (prehabilitation) could reduce hospital stay and improve quality of life of patients with cancer. In this study we captured the opinions of a group of cancer patients undergoing these interventions after surgery to discover what a prehabilitation programme should encompass. Methods Patients from the Cancer and Rehabilitation Exercise (CARE) programme based in Nottingham took part in a 26-point online questionnaire about the design of prehabilitation programmes. Results The questionnaire was completed over a 2-week period by 54 patients from the CARE programme. Their responses were as follows: 44 patients (81%) would have participated in prehabilitation had it been available to them and 28 patients (52%) ranked physical exercise as the most important component. Forty patients (74%) believed the counselling aspect of prehabilitation would have contributed to a successful outcome and 35 (65%) thought dietary advice would have benefitted them before surgery. Thirty-one patients (57%) preferred the programme to take place in a fitness centre, rather than at home or hospital and 43 (80%) would have liked to have known about prehabilitation from their doctor at the time of diagnosis. Conclusion Patients are interested in prehabilitation to become more physically fit and mentally prepared for surgery. They express the need for a focus on physical exercise, counselling to improve mental health and personalised nutritional advice. Tailoring a prehabilitation programme, with input from patients, could contribute to improving patient outcomes following cancer treatments.