Clinical trial Recruiting at 8 sites Interventional Ages 18 and up

Telehealth education program for patients preparing for major cancer surgery

Official title: Implementing Tele-prehabilitation Education Into Cancer Care Pathways

Run by University of Melbourne · NCT06631872 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether a telehealth education program can help patients getting ready for major lung and abdominal cancer surgeries recover better and avoid breathing problems compared to those who get regular care.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment515 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Melbourne
Academic / other
Locations9 sites (New Lambton Heights, New South Wales and 8 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJanuary 22, 2025
Main results expectedJuly 2027
Study endsJuly 2028
Registry record updatedJune 10, 2026
Trial IDNCT06631872 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are individuals preparing for lung cancer or major abdominal cancer surgery who can provide consent and understand the educational materials in English.

Probably not a fit

Patients with concurrent malignancies, severe psychiatric disorders, or those unable to provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This trial evaluates the effectiveness of a telehealth-based education program designed to prepare patients for lung and major abdominal cancer surgeries. It compares the outcomes of patients receiving this program to those receiving usual care, focusing on the development of respiratory complications post-surgery. Secondary outcomes include hospital stay duration, recovery, physical function, self-efficacy, and overall quality of life. The study aims to enhance patient understanding and preparedness for surgery, potentially improving surgical outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce respiratory complications and improve recovery for patients undergoing major cancer surgeries.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with telehealth interventions in surgical preparation, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 outcome assessments.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Concurrent, actively treated other malignancy or history of other malignancy treated within the past year.
* Severe or unstable psychiatric, cognitive or substance abuse disorders, such that precludes informed consent or interferes with cooperation with trial requirements or current inpatients.
* Current inpatients or incarcerated
* Surgery date booked \<7 days from consent

Where it's running

  • John Hunter Hospital
    New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
    Recruiting
  • Calvary Mater Newcastle
    Waratah, New South Wales, Australia
    Recruiting
  • Gold Coast University Hospital
    Southport, Queensland, Australia
    Recruiting
  • Princess Alexandra Hospital
    Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
    Recruiting
  • Launceston General Hospital
    Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
    Recruiting
  • Austin Health
    Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
    Recruiting
Show 3 more locations
  • Royal Melbourne Hospital
    Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
    Recruiting
  • Fiona Stanley Hospital
    Perth, Western Australia, Australia
    Recruiting
  • North West Regional Hospital
    Burnie, Tasmania, Australia
    Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Linda Denehy, B AppSc (Physio), PhD — University of Melbourne
  • Study coordinator: Linda Denehy, B AppSc (Physio), PhD
  • Email: l.denehy@unimelb.edu.au
  • Phone: +61 3 8344 6428

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.