Hospitals across the Thames Valley are sharing best practice to improve care for cancer patients between diagnosis and the start of treatment.
Patients who are better prepared for surgery are more likely to have a positive experience, fewer adverse events and better outcomes.
Much of this ‘prehabilitation’ – the process of getting physically and mentally ready – is carried out at home or in community settings. As well as being more convenient for patients and supporting carbon reduction, this also reduces the number of appointments needed, frees up hospital capacity, helps reduce waiting times and supports productivity gains.
One of the key priorities highlighted in the new national Cancer Plan is designing cancer care around people’s lives. This is already happening in the Health Innovation Oxford and Thames Valley (HIOTV) region.
At the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust the cancer prehabilitation team works with patients to give them control in what is often a scary and vulnerable time.
Dr Laura Massouh, consultant anaesthetist and medical lead for prehabilitation at Royal Berks, said: “Having this kind of support can help recovery, reduce setbacks, and have longer-term benefits too where the habits created during prehab can become long-term lifestyle changes well past the point of treatment.
“We work to provide our patients with practical advice and support covering physical fitness, nutrition, managing wellbeing and sleep, stopping smoking and vaping. Since the service was set up in October 2024 we have supported more than 420 patients, with the majority of that support in-person which we know our patients really value, including peer support in the group sessions we run.”
Oxford University Hospitals takes over a community gym to run a weekly prehab session for people undergoing thoracic (lung) surgery. They cover what to expect and provide flexible exercise programmes to help people prepare. Additional support is provided online. Around ten people attend each hour-long session at the Rose Hill Community Centre, Oxford.
Lindsay Charlesworth, Advanced Therapist Practitioner, said: “Patients who complete the prehab programme are more prepared for surgery. They have fewer complications like clots and infections and get back to normal life more quickly. We also provide rehabilitation after surgery to help get back on their feet.”
The sessions are run by OUH therapists and nurses with volunteer support from the Oxford Hospitals Charity.
Feedback from patients includes:
“I‘d recommend it to anyone who is going into surgery.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed learning about how to look after myself giving me confidence for the op and my recovery going forward. I thank everyone involved for helping me.”
“I think these sessions are very beneficial. The fact of learning about the operation and exercising in group is very positive as you don’t think you are the only one going through it. The team has been very encouraging and supportive at all times.”
“Fantastic class run by great people. I’m going to miss my Monday sessions but plan to continue at local gym.”
HIOTV is supporting a standardised regional approach prior to breast and lung cancer treatment in particular, helping patients stay well until their first appointment with the relevant doctor. From the moment a GP referral is approved the patient will get tailored support. This includes generic information covering things like nutrition and exercise, and additional details more specific to their potential cancer.
Vicki Ferguson, Clinical Pathway Manager at the Thames Valley Cancer Alliance (TVCA), said: “TVCA fully supports and will continue to work collaboratively with services across the Thames Valley to ensure all patients have access to programmes that are proven to improve cancer care, patient experience and clinical outcomes.
“The dedication and innovation demonstrated across the Thames Valley is truly inspiring. It is a privilege to witness teams sharing best practice and going above and beyond to enhance the quality of treatment and support for patients.”