The Optimal Physical Recovery After Hospitalization (OPRAH) intervention to improve physical activity and protein intake after oncological surgery: a feasibility study

(1) To assess the feasibility of a blended intervention, combining a smartphone app for self-monitoring of physical activity and protein intake with coaching from a physiotherapist and dietician after hospitalization and (2) to evaluate the associated study procedures. A single-arm feasibility study was performed with adult patients scheduled for curative intent gastrointestinal or lung cancer surgery. Patients were provided with a smartphone app and accelerometer one week before surgery, which they used for six weeks following discharge. In addition, patients received coaching from a physiotherapist and dietician. Feasibility was assessed by evaluating participation and completion rates, user adherence, system usability score (SUS), as well as experiences and safety, based on predefined criteria. In total, 32 patients were included, with participation and completion rates of 69 and 75%, respectively. User adherence to wearing the accelerometer was deemed satisfactory (91%), while user adherence to protein intake was suboptimal (59%). The mean SUS was acceptable (73.5). Patient experiences were predominantly positive, although some patients mentioned a lack of options in the protein registration tool. The intervention is feasible for implementation in a larger study. To improve adherence, modifications are needed regarding self-recording of protein intake. Study procedures require minor modifications. Patients after oncological surgery are positive about an intervention that combines a smartphone app for self-monitoring of physical activity and protein intake with coaching by a physiotherapist and dietician after hospitalization.Although the effect on functional recovery has yet to be examined in a randomized controlled trial, the blended Optimal Physical Recovery After Hospitalization (OPRAH) intervention seems to contribute to the self-management of patients, since there was a substantial increase in physical activity and most patients achieved their protein requirements. Patients after oncological surgery are positive about an intervention that combines a smartphone app for self-monitoring of physical activity and protein intake with coaching by a physiotherapist and dietician after hospitalization. Although the effect on functional recovery has yet to be examined in a randomized controlled trial, the blended Optimal Physical Recovery After Hospitalization (OPRAH) intervention seems to contribute to the self-management of patients, since there was a substantial increase in physical activity and most patients achieved their protein requirements.