Implementing a virtual mind-body prehabilitation program for patients undergoing thoracic surgery: A quality improvement project Journal Article


Authors: Mao, J. J.; Molena, D.; Desai, K.; Schobert, K.; Seluzicki, C.; Wilson, D.; Hardbattle, R.; Rocco, G.; Jones, D.
Article Title: Implementing a virtual mind-body prehabilitation program for patients undergoing thoracic surgery: A quality improvement project
Abstract: Background: Prehabilitation before thoracic surgery has been found to improve outcomes in patients with cancer; however, COVID-19 presented challenges to access on-site programs. We describe the development, implementation, and evaluation of a synchronous, virtual mind-body prehabilitation program developed in response to COVID-19. Methods: Eligible participants were patients seen at a thoracic oncology surgical department of an academic cancer center, aged 18 years or older with a diagnosis of thoracic cancer and referred at least 1 week before surgery. The program offered 2 45-minute preoperative mind-body fitness classes each week delivered via Zoom (Zoom Video Communications, Inc). We collected data for referrals, enrollment, participation, and evaluated patient-reported satisfaction and experience. We conducted brief semistructured interviews about participants’ experience. Results: Among 278 patients referred, 260 were approached, and of those 197 (76%) patients agreed to participate. Among participants, 140 (71%) attended at least 1 class, with an average of 11 attendees per class. The majority of participants reported being extremely satisfied (97.8%), extremely likely to recommend the classes to others (91.2%), and indicated that classes were very much helpful in preparing for surgery (90.8%). Patients also reported that the classes helped reduce anxiety/stress (94.2%), fatigue (88.5%), pain (80.7%), and shortness of breath (86.5%). Qualitative data further suggest that the program made participants feel stronger, more connected to their peers, and better prepared for surgery. Conclusions: This virtual mind-body prehabilitation program was well received with high satisfaction and benefits and is highly feasible to implement. This approach may help overcome some of the challenges to in-person participation. © 2023 The Author(s)
Keywords: integrative medicine; prehabilitation; thoracic cancer; virtual mind-body
Journal Title: JTCVS Open
Volume: 14
Issue: C
ISSN: 2666-2736
Publisher: Elsevier Inc.  
Date Published: 2023-01-01
Start Page: 615
End Page: 622
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.xjon.2023.03.003
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC10328830
PUBMED: 37425445
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- MSK Cancer Center Support Grant (P30 CA008748) acknowledged in PDF -- MSK corresponding author is Jun Mao -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Donna J Wilson
    18 Wilson
  2. David Randolph Jones
    417 Jones
  3. Daniela   Molena
    272 Molena
  4. Jun J Mao
    244 Mao
  5. Gaetano Rocco
    131 Rocco
  6. Krupali Desai
    5 Desai