Abstract
Aims
Previous research has shown the possibility to use the pre-operative period to improve a patient’s tolerance for surgery. However, there is limited experience with prehabilitation in cardiac surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a comprehensive personalized teleprehabilitation programme on major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery. Secondary outcomes are post-operative complications, cardiovascular risk factors, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness.
Methods and results
In this single-centre randomized controlled trial, patients are eligible for inclusion when they are >_18 years of age and cardiac surgery is scheduled at least 8 weeks from informed consent. Participants will be randomized to the teleprehabilitation group or the control group. After a digital baseline screening for perioperative risk factors, patients in the intervention arm can pre-operatively be referred to one or more of the prehabilitation modules (functional exercise training, inspiratory muscle training, psychological support, nutritional support, and/or smoking cessation). The programme is targeted at a duration of at least 6 weeks. It is executed by a multidisciplinary team using (video)calls and supported by a custom-made digital platform. During the pre-operative period, the platform is also used to inform patients about their upcoming surgery and for telemonitoring.
Conclusion
Reducing perioperative risk factors might result in a reduction of MACE, post-operative complications, length of stay, and cardiovascular risk factors, as well as improved quality of life. Cost-effectiveness will be evaluated.
Previous research has shown the possibility to use the pre-operative period to improve a patient’s tolerance for surgery. However, there is limited experience with prehabilitation in cardiac surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a comprehensive personalized teleprehabilitation programme on major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery. Secondary outcomes are post-operative complications, cardiovascular risk factors, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness.
Methods and results
In this single-centre randomized controlled trial, patients are eligible for inclusion when they are >_18 years of age and cardiac surgery is scheduled at least 8 weeks from informed consent. Participants will be randomized to the teleprehabilitation group or the control group. After a digital baseline screening for perioperative risk factors, patients in the intervention arm can pre-operatively be referred to one or more of the prehabilitation modules (functional exercise training, inspiratory muscle training, psychological support, nutritional support, and/or smoking cessation). The programme is targeted at a duration of at least 6 weeks. It is executed by a multidisciplinary team using (video)calls and supported by a custom-made digital platform. During the pre-operative period, the platform is also used to inform patients about their upcoming surgery and for telemonitoring.
Conclusion
Reducing perioperative risk factors might result in a reduction of MACE, post-operative complications, length of stay, and cardiovascular risk factors, as well as improved quality of life. Cost-effectiveness will be evaluated.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 477-486 |
| Journal | European Heart Journal - Digital Health |
| Volume | 2 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Sept 2021 |