Using videoconferencing technology, PrEPP delivers a comprehensive exercise and diet regimen directly to patients' homes before their operation. The two-to-six-week program has been designed to optimise a patient's physical and emotional wellbeing and recovery by increasing accessibility to prehabilitative care.
As a result, patients have benefitted from less intensive care unit admissions, minimal postoperative complications and a reduced hospital length of stay (8.5 days) compared with non-prehabilitation patients (10.2 days).
While run successfully as an in-person model since 2018, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted a need for alternative access methods to prehabilitation. Virtual PrEPP ensures all patients, regardless of location, mobility, or personal preferences, can benefit from this evidence-based program.
Nepean Hospital Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Anwar Hassan says PrEPP represents a significant advancement in preoperative care, empowering patients to actively participate in their recovery journey and ultimately improving surgical outcomes.
“Patients may be unsure about what to expect, who they will encounter, their own responsibilities in recovery, pain management strategies, and the advantages of early mobilisation. Effective prehabilitation addresses these knowledge gaps, providing both mental and physical preparation for the entire surgical journey,” explains Anwar.
“We operate a multidisciplinary model where there are a number of simultaneous interventions to support a patient’s condition before surgery. These include physiotherapy (provided by Josh Dardo) to improve strength and fitness, dietary reviews with dietitians (Michelle Stewart and Rebecca Salter), cardiovascular and pulmonary assessments by physicians, and potential referrals to the acute pain team for post-operative pain management education.”
The virtual program's success is reflected in the overwhelmingly positive feedback, with patients remarking how beneficial it has been in getting them ready for surgery.
"I thought doing those exercises would have gotten me in trouble and rest was necessary. However, the exercises helped me get out of bed and reduced my hospital length of stay," one patient shares.
"It (PrEPP) improved my confidence going into surgery by helping me get stronger and better informed," another patient states.
"You can never be prepared enough for surgery and this program helps both physically and mentally," a third patient says.
Patient satisfaction surveys have reinforced the incredible results. In one survey, 60 patients rated the program's usefulness on a scale of 1 to 10. An overwhelming majority of 53 patients gave a score of 9 or 10, indicating exceptionally high satisfaction. Similarly, in another survey, when asked if they would recommend PrEPP to others, 61 out of 62 patients responded affirmatively.
Researchers are currently conducting a randomised control trial, supported by a Sydney Health Partners Implementation Science Pilot Grant, to compare the effectiveness of the virtual program with the traditional in-person program.
Looking ahead the PrEPP patient cohort could be broadened to include additional surgeries and services, such as complex ear, nose, and throat procedures and breast cancer-related surgeries.
Learn more about how NBMLHD is leading the way in pioneering virtual care services and telehealth technology, providing patients and consumers a convenient way to connect with health professionals.
