Prehabilitation - barriers, facilitators & socioeconomic inequalities
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the barriers, facilitators, and socioeconomic inequalities in engaging with a prehabilitation programme prior to abdominal cancer surgery through semi-structured interviews: a single-centre qualitative study.
IRAS ID
344134
Contact name
Donna Shrestha
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Lancaster University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 27 days
Research summary
This research aims to explore why some patients, particularly those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, may face challenges in participating in prehabilitation programs before major abdominal surgery. Prehabilitation involves preparing patients physically and mentally for surgery, often through exercise, dietary improvements, and stress management, which can lead to better recovery and fewer complications.
The study will use semi-structured interviews to gather insights from patients who are preparing for or have undergone major abdominal surgery. Researchers will focus on understanding the barriers and facilitators to engaging in these programs, especially for patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Previous research suggests that these patients often have worse health outcomes and may find it harder to participate in prehabilitation due to factors like limited access to resources, lower health literacy, and financial constraints.
By identifying these barriers, the research aims to improve the design and delivery of prehabilitation programs, making them more accessible and effective for all patients, regardless of their socioeconomic status. The findings from this study could help ensure that the benefits of prehabilitation are available to everyone, potentially leading to better surgical outcomes across diverse patient groups.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/EM/0263
Date of REC Opinion
21 Nov 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion