An innovative study is hoping to strengthen and improve cancer patients’ overall health before surgery, giving them the best chance at an easier, quicker recovery.
Senior Physiotherapist Rohan Miegel at Flinders Medical Centre is leading the study. This is thanks to co-funding from The Hospital Research Foundation Group and Flinders Foundation.
With more people requiring cancer surgery, many are entering the operating theatre in less-than-ideal health due to cancer symptoms or treatment side effects.
This increases the risk of post-operative complications, prolonged hospital stays, and slower recovery.
Prehabilitation for cancer patients
Prehabilitation (prehab) aims to strengthen patients physically, nutritionally and psychologically before surgery.
“Our research is helping to identify what patients and their families truly want from prehab services, so we can deliver a model of care that people will engage with,” Rohan said.
“To better understand these preferences, we surveyed patients across our local health network (Southern Adelaide Local Health Network) who had recently undergone cancer surgery.
“The survey involved choosing between multiple hypothetical prehab programs. By analysing these choices and comparing them with each participant’s ‘ideal’ program, we were able to pinpoint which components matter most.”
Across cancer types, the message was clear: flexibility is essential. Patients strongly preferred programs that minimised hospital visits, opting instead for weekly or fortnightly phone or telehealth consultations.
Exercise and nutritional support ranked highly, while frequent in-person appointments felt inconvenient.
“We also found that prehab expectations were broadly similar across cancer types, suggesting that a single, adaptable service could meet most patients’ needs,” Rohan explained.
Early consultation with health leaders across metropolitan, regional and remote local health networks shows strong interest for a statewide, expert-led prehab model. The challenge of logistics involving who, where, when, and how was well-acknowledged.
Rohan’s research shows promising benefits for patients and their families. We look forward to updating you on how the study progresses!
