Prehabilitation - overwhelming evidence and practicalities to get started
With lengthy waiting lists, we must improve efficiency, increase day case working and reduce complications or unplanned lengthy hospital stays. Proven effective interventions include: exercise, nutrition, smoking cessation, psychological readiness, practical preparedness, alcohol moderation and medication review. Many studies, especially in cancer surgery, show 30% - 80% reduction in complications. Prehabilitation programmes include regular coaching. Every patient should be offered something. Exercise (walking, sit-to-stand, cycling, swimming) should start and build up. Every staff member should be trained, eg www.movingmedicine.ac.uk gives skills in motivational interviewing in one minute. Surgery schools and www.cpoc.org.uk can help. The panel will share experience, evidence and suggestions.