Over 40,000 patients per year in the UK undergo major chest or abdominal surgery. These numbers are rising annually as advances in surgical techniques mean that operations can now be offered to older and less fit patients. Unfortunately there has not been a parallel improvement in outcomes following surgery; nearly one third of patients develop complications after surgery which can significantly impact upon quality of life and reduce long term survival rates after surgery. Such complications may negate any potential benefits from the surgical procedure.

Exercise programmes before surgery have been shown to improve patients’ physical fitness thereby reducing complications and time in hospital as well enhancing recovery after surgery. Similarly, nutritional supplements taken before and/or after surgery are known to improve recovery and add to the benefits of structured exercise programmes. Despite clear evidence for the benefits of such ‘prehabilitation’, access to such ‘face to face’ programmes is extremely limited in the UK for logistical, administrative and financial reasons and made worse by the COVID pandemic

Our team has already created and piloted Fit4Surgery (FIT 4 SURGERY) an App-based programme in the provision of pre-operative information, exercise and nutrition, specifically designed to prepare patients for lung cancer surgery and improve their recovery. This programme supports individualised exercises for patients who can design a programme appropriate to their own fitness level, capacity and preferences. Videos demonstrate a range of strengthening, mobility, and cardiovascular exercises. Data collected within the App (including heart rate measured by a wearable device) are uploaded electronically. Clinicians have access to a web based portal with a summary of their patient’s progress. Personalised health information is also presented based on patient symptoms. Repeated nutritional assessments within the App allow for personalised nutritional advice. Embedded within the App are strategies to enhance motivation/adherence. Finally both physical and patient reported outcomes measures such as quality of life are assessed with the app Please get in touch with us if you would like to know more .