From waiting to preparing: A qualitative feasibility study of cancer patients’ perspectives on prehabilitation

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate cancer patients’ perspectives on a pre-defined, home-based, multimodal prehabilitation programme with particular attention to feasibility and acceptability. Patients and methods: Fifteen patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal or ovarian origin undergoing complete cytoreductive surgery (CRS), with or without hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), participated in semi-structured interviews. Malterud’s principles of systematic text condensation were used to analyse the data. Results: Patients had a positive attitude towards home-based prehabilitation, primarily because of the opportunity to influence recovery, but also because it could distract their attention from negative thoughts and because they could gain support. However, they would not follow the programme unconditionally and significant barriers to adherence were identified. These included lack of belief, everyday life, preferences and restrictions . Conclusion: Patients’ perspectives on home-based prehabilitation contribute new knowledge concerning barriers to adherence to a programme. The findings underscore the complexity of developing a home-based, multimodal prehabilitation programme that not only enhances functional capacity, but is also experienced relevant to the patients and aligns with the demands of their everyday lives.