PREHABILITATION THROUGH A MOBILE APPLICATION (PREHAPP) IN MAJOR COLON CANCER SURGERY

Abstract

Introduction: Prehabilitation aims to optimise functional capacity before surgery. We present the prehabilitation programme through a mobile app (PREHapp). Methods: Patients with resectable colon cancer, ≥18 years old, without comorbidities and with Android Smartphones are selected. The following programme is proposed through PREHapp during the 4 week pre-and postoperative period. Depending on the results of the 6-minute test and the initial ergospirometry, the programme would be individualised with different objectives. • Aerobic: the app allows you to synchronise your activity with GoogleFit and count the distance. • Muscular endurance and stretching: 3 programmes (A-B-C). The app allows the patient to record their activities and synchronises with a website designed for the surgeon through which he/she can monitor compliance. Results: The impact of prehabilitation on outcomes depended on compliance. Studies show that high compliance rates in ERAS programmes are associated with fewer postoperative complications. In this aspect, telemedicine could have great potential, as it has enabled the design of new health programmes that improve accessibility, including the creation of apps. The use of these apps favours therapeutic compliance and patient education, which enhances their empowerment in disease management. Conclusions: There are few studies on the use of telemedicine in the field of prehabilitation. The PREHapp application could improve compliance and thus improve functional capacity before surgery.