Implementing Surgery School Prehabilitation Using Telehealth

Last updated: June 8, 2026
Sponsor: University of Melbourne
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Colorectal Cancer

Gastric Cancer

Esophageal Cancer

Treatment

Tele-prehabilitation education session: Surgery School

Usual Care

Individualised Inspiratory Muscle Training and Walking Program

Clinical Study ID

NCT06631872
4.4 11/12/2025
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

The physiological challenge of major surgery has been likened to running a marathon. In both cases, preparation is critical. Yet, many patients undergo major surgery without understanding the potential consequences.

The STTARRS trial aims to test the effect of an education program delivered via telehealth in people preparing for lung or major abdominal cancer surgery , compared with usual care on the development of a respiratory complications after surgery.

The secondary aims will be to determine the effect of the online education program for people preparing for lung or major abdominal cancer surgery compared to usual care on the following outcomes; acute hospital length of stay, surgical recovery, physical function and activity, self-efficacy, behaviour change, symptoms, health-related quality of life, number of days alive and out of hospital and health service usage and survival.

This trial includes one sub-study. The sub-study will recruit eligible people preparing for lung cancer surgery. In the sub-study, 35 participants will receive an individualised inspiratory muscle training and walking program delivered and monitored by telehealth in addition to the main STTARRS trial intervention before surgery.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Preparing for lung cancer (open or video assisted) or major abdominal cancer surgery (e.g. upper GI, hepatobiliary or colorectal, open or video assisted).

  • Provide consent

  • Have primary treating surgeon approval

  • Proficient in English to understand testing, video interventions as well as outcomeassessments.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Concurrent, actively treated other malignancy or history of other malignancy treatedwithin the past year.

  • Severe or unstable psychiatric, cognitive or substance abuse disorders, such thatprecludes informed consent or interferes with cooperation with trial requirements orcurrent inpatients.

  • Current inpatients or incarcerated

  • Surgery date booked <7 days from consent

Study Design

Total Participants: 515
Treatment Group(s): 3
Primary Treatment: Tele-prehabilitation education session: Surgery School
Phase:
Study Start date:
January 22, 2025
Estimated Completion Date:
July 31, 2028

Connect with a study center

  • John Hunter Hospital

    New Lambton Heights, New South Wales 2305
    Australia

    Active - Recruiting

  • Calvary Mater Newcastle

    Waratah, New South Wales 2298
    Australia

    Active - Recruiting

  • Gold Coast University Hospital

    Southport, Queensland 4215
    Australia

    Active - Recruiting

  • Princess Alexandra Hospital

    Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102
    Australia

    Active - Recruiting

  • North West Regional Hospital

    Burnie, Tasmania 7320
    Australia

    Site Not Available

  • Launceston General Hospital

    Launceston, Tasmania 7250
    Australia

    Active - Recruiting

  • Austin Health

    Heidelberg, Victoria 3084
    Australia

    Active - Recruiting

  • Royal Melbourne Hospital

    Melbourne, Victoria 3050
    Australia

    Active - Recruiting

  • Fiona Stanley Hospital

    Perth, Western Australia 6845
    Australia

    Active - Recruiting

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