A study to determine the feasibility and impact of using a remote (app-based) lifestyle change program to reduce the length of stay and complications after colorectal resection surgery

Background and study aims
'Perioperative medicine' is care occurring or performed at or around the time of an operation with the intention of increasing the chances of success of the operation and shortening recovery time. The last three decades have seen a change in how we define and practice perioperative medicine. During this period, it is well established that the management of surgical patient extends beyond the hospital inpatient admission and we have seen that interventions such as pre-assessment clinics, patient information leaflets and enhanced recovery after surgery models improve both clinical and economical outcomes. However, all these lifestyle modifications not only require more time in order to be more effective, but also require a more person-centred approach.
As a solution to the above problem Sapien, a mobile app-based behavioural intervention for patients undergoing elective surgery, combines personalized digital guidance with 1-to-1 remote health coaching to help optimize patients preoperatively, and support their recovery during the postoperative phase.
The app aims to modify risk by supporting patients to:
● Increase physical activity levels
● Stop smoking
● Reduce alcohol intake
● Improve diet
● Improve sleep duration and quality
● Enhance preparedness for their perioperative journey
Who can participate?
Adult (over 18 years) patients undergoing elective bowel resection.
What does the study involve?
Patients will be offered remote health coaching. Patients who choose to opt in this study will be introduced to the service and receive educational materials on how to use the app. Patients who do not wish to use Sapien will still be eligible for the standard perioperative care pathway with no changes. The intervention will be available 2-4 weeks prior to surgery and 1 month after. The data collected from these participants will be compared to data from previous patients who did not receive the intervention (comparison arm).