The Future of Prehabilitation: Trends and Innovations Post COVID-19
The field of prehabilitation, particularly for patients preparing for major surgeries, has seen significant advancements in recent years. This is especially true concerning cancer patients within the NHS in London. The insights from a study involving 21 patients from a specialist cancer center and 23 patients from a teaching hospital highlight the evolving landscape of prehabilitation. The context in which prehabilitation is offered and delivered plays a crucial role, encompassing themes such as mindset, actual preparation, support systems, and the delivery of prehabilitation. Here, we explore potential future trends in these areas.
Mindset: Emotional Readiness for Surgery
Embracing a Positive Mindset
The emotional landscape of cancer patients is profoundly impacted by their diagnosis and treatment plans. Embracing a positive mindset is often a key coping mechanism. Patients like P12, who were positively inclined, noted the power of mental preparation:
"Well I’m quite a strong person actually and I did cope and I sort of mentally prepared myself really. Once I knew I was going to have surgery I said okay fine, I’ve got to change my mind-set and be positive."
Post-COVID-19, there will be greater emphasis on offering personalized psychological support through virtual platforms. The trend will move towards more tailored mental health interventions for individuals in various stages of their cancer journey.
Setting Realistic Goals
Patients often set goals around what constitutes a successful recovery. For many, returning to normalcy is pivotal, but others focus on the journey day by day. A patient quoted:
"It’s about coming back to humanity as quickly as possible."
Breaking normative goals into actionable steps and integrating support systems to achieve them is likely to be a major trend moving forward. Prehabilitation programs will likely evolve to include more personalized goal-setting support.
| Goals for Recovery | Frequency by Participants |
|---|---|
| Returning to Normality | 15 out of 21 Participants |
| Daily Stepping (Step-by-Step) | 6 out of 21 Participants |
| Enhanced Arousal of Future Tasks | 4 out of 21 Participants |
Prehabilitation and Nutrition
Physical activity remains a cornerstone of prehabilitation, with patients often increasing their physical exertion as part of their preparation. Supporting this trend is the inclusion of fitness consultants who can provide tailored exercise plans that cater to individual health limitations. For instance:
"I was fully aware that I needed to keep myself active, but for me being active was cleaning the windows, or doing the housework, or pottering around in the garden, that for me was my way of exercise."
Despite increased focus on physical activity, nutrition will remain fundamental. Programs like the MILE often integrate dietary consultations, and this trend will likely continue with a focus on renewable food substances.
Impact of Psychological Support
Psychological support serves as both a controversial and invaluable part of prehabilitation. Tailored interventions are already replacing generic advice. A participant mentioned:
"I asked for some help in hospital, and they said they would refer me but nothing ever happened, and I think that was probably my biggest disappointment. I could have done with it then."
In the future, virtual counseling and group support sessions will reinforce the benefits of emotional well-being, enhancing the overall effectiveness of prehabilitation programs.
Support Systems: Navigating Recovery Together
Friends, Family and Faith
A robust support system, particularly one comprising family and friends, is crucial for outcomes in prehabilitation. An interviewee noted:
"My husband morally support me so well. I feel supported by him the way he talks to me, especially throughout my chemotherapy treatments."
Insights like this undoubtedly illustrate how integral family support will be in future prehabilitation programs, highlighting the importance of a structured support roadmap.
The Healthcare Team
The healthcare community plays a pivotal role in driving positive outcomes. Ensuring accessibility and personal human touch in care will be a major trend. As P6 succinctly put it:
"So accessibility for me would be a big thing, because when I want to know something, I want to know it."
With more virtual and streamlined services, future healthcare teams will face the challenge of balancing technological advantages and maintaining quality support.
Personalised Delivery of Prehabilitation: In-Person vs. Remote
Flexible Interventions
Flexibility in prehabilitation delivery will evolve based on patient needs. Personalized services, combining the convenience of remote options and the intimacy of face-to-face interactions, will likely characterise future programs. Interest in virtual platforms highlights the demand for readily accessible healthcare.
"I think virtual works. So I think we need to respect that there’s a pandemic going on. So if it’s not necessary for you to come in, you don’t have to."
This trend will be driven by advancements in telehealth technologies, catering to a broader demographic.
Interactive Resource Recommendations
Actionable Reading and Resources
Patients will receive written or pre-recorded advice catered to individual needs, allowing them to engage at their convenience. This includes resource pamphlets, online guides, and interactive infographics.
"When you read through a tonne of text a lot of it is not going to be particularly relevant to you. When you have a face-to-face, it gives you the opportunity to ask something that you want to know, particularly."
Group Sessions
Future trends will focus on bringing patients together for shared physical and psychological experiences. Environments encouraging motivation whilst maintaining a comfort sphere will be paramount.
Body and Soul: Working Together on the Journey to Recovery
Attending in-person and virtual group sessions offers collective motivation setting goals akin to participants.
Pro TIP: Encourage patients to share their prehabilitation journeys anonymously on forums and social media platforms for mutual support.
FAQ Section
1. What primary factors influence patient engagement with prehabilitation?
Patients are influenced by mindset, actual preparation, support systems, and the manner in which prehabilitation services are delivered.
2. How can family and friends support cancer patients?
Family and friends can offer emotional support and participate in prehabilitation activities, promoting motivation and adherence.
3. Who makes the best candidates for prehabilitation programs?
Individuals with a positive mindset and strong support systems tend to be ideal candidates for prehabilitation.
Comment
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