Poster Presentation 2025 National Cancer Survivorship Conference

Study protocol of a pilot randomised controlled trial assessing the feasibly and acceptability of RecoverEsupport: A digital health intervention to enhance recovery in women undergoing surgery for breast cancer. (#98)

Emma Sansalone 1 2 , Alison Zucca 1 2 , Mitch Duncan 1 2 , Owen Morris 3 , Stephen Smith 1 2 3 , Sancha Robinson 3 , Rebecca Chenery 3 , Helen Moore 3 , Priscilla Viana da Silva 1 2 , Lara Riley 3 , Anna Palazzi-Parsons 1 2 , Penny Reeves 2 , Christopher Oldmeadow 1 2 , Rebecca Wyse 1 2
  1. University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
  2. Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
  3. Calvary Mater Newcastle, Waratah, NSW, Australia

Background: Approximately 2.3 million people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. 40% will require a mastectomy, with an average length of hospital stay of 1-2 days. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) guidelines include the following patient-managed recommendations: early mobilisation, early eating and drinking, opioid minimisation and physiotherapy exercises. Low adherence rates to these recommendations suggest that patients need support to do these things. A Digital Health Intervention (DHI) may provide an effective, cost-effective, and scalable solution. The RecoverEsupport intervention was designed to support patients to recover from breast cancer surgery, and was co-designed with researchers, clinicians and cancer survivors to ensure it addresses their needs and reflects their experiences. This pilot trial aims to assess the feasibility and the acceptability of the RecoverEsupport intervention.  

Aims: The primary trial aims are to assess the feasibility of the trial and the acceptability of the RecoverEsupport intervention. Secondary aims are to assess preliminary efficacy and cost effectiveness regarding Length of Hospital Stay. Data regarding patient behaviours related to patient-managed ERAS recommendations, Quality of Life (EORTC QLQ-C30), Quality of Recovery (QOR-15), Anxiety (HADS), hospital readmissions, emergency department presentations, and health service utilisation post discharge will also be collected.   

Methods: Participants will be recruited from the perioperative clinic and breast surgery units at a major cancer hospital in NSW, Australia and randomised (1:1) to receive i) control: usual care or ii) intervention: usual care plus RecoverEsupport. The DHI incorporates evidence-based behaviour change strategies including education, self-monitoring and feedback, and prompts and cues. 

Conclusion: If this pilot trial proves feasible and is well accepted by breast cancer patients, it has the potential to enhance quality of life in cancer survivors, reduce healthcare costs and contribute to knowledge advancements.  If effective, the intervention could be rapidly rolled-out at scale and adapted for other surgical patient groups. 

https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=386404&isReview=true