OPRAH

(Optimal Physical Recovery After Hospitalization)

Oncological surgery on the lungs or gastrointestinal tract has a major impact on the patient’s condition. Many patients have not yet recovered their physical functioning six months after surgery. By physical functioning, we mean activities of daily living such as walking, eating, dressing and undressing, and shopping. Sufficient exercise (physical activity), combined with adequate protein intake, can ensure better recovery of physical functioning after surgery. However, it appears that for many patients, it is a major challenge to eat sufficiently every day and resume daily activities in their own environment after discharge from hospital. We know from other studies that accelerating physical functioning leads to fewer readmissions and a better quality of life.

In collaboration with physiotherapists, dieticians and surgeons at Amsterdam UMC, the OPRAH intervention was developed, in which patients are supported in building up their physical activity and protein intake after discharge from hospital with the help of an activity monitor, app and coaching from a physiotherapist and dietician in their home environment. The use of eHealth and coaching techniques by healthcare providers adds value in supporting patient self-management.

Goals

• Improving physical activity and protein intake in the home environment of patients who have undergone surgery for lung or gastrointestinal cancer;

• Optimising communication and collaboration between dieticians and physiotherapists in the perioperative phase;Gaining insight into the effect of the

• OPRAH intervention on the recovery of physical functioning after discharge from hospital;

• Evaluating the experiences of patients and care providers with the OPRAH intervention.

Methods

From June 2022 to July 2024, a randomised trial was conducted to investigate the effect of the OPRAH intervention on the recovery of physical functioning in patients after oncological lung or gastrointestinal surgery. A total of 163 patients from Amsterdam UMC and St. Antonius Hospital in Nieuwegein participated in the trial. The trial is registered with the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform under number NL9793.

OPRAH intervention

The OPRAH intervention is a blended intervention consisting of an activity tracker, a smartphone app (Atris app) and remote coaching by a physiotherapist and dietitian. The aim of the intervention is to support patients in their recovery after discharge from hospital by encouraging self-management in terms of protein intake and physical activity.

• Before surgery: Approximately one week before surgery, patients receive an activity tracker and access to the Atris app, which they can use to monitor their physical activity and record their daily protein intake.
• During hospitalisation: Physiotherapists and dieticians guide patients in using the app and, in consultation with the patient, set personal goals for protein intake and physical activity.
• After discharge: Patients wear the activity tracker for 3 months and record their daily protein intake. They receive remote coaching from the physiotherapist and dietician via the app and telephone.

Poster results OPRAH-pro

Poster Patients’ experiences

First results of the feasibility study

Performed by

Financed by