Development of a web-based health and wellbeing programme to support people preparing for major surgery
Getting ready for an operation is known as 'prehabilitation'. It involves making small, healthy changes—like gentle exercise, eating well, quitting smoking, or managing stress—so your body is in the best shape possible for surgery and recovery. Researchers at Teesside University and local NHS trusts are creating an easy-to-use online programme to guide people through this preparation from home. In the first phase, patients and healthcare staff share their thoughts in workshops and interviews to help build the website. In the second phase, people waiting for surgery test the online tools using a smartphone and a fitness tracker. The project is supported by Sport England and Macmillan Cancer Support. It offers a chance to share your lived experience and help shape future NHS care, without changing your usual medical treatment.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When you have major surgery planned, taking steps to boost your overall health beforehand can make a huge difference. Doctors call this 'prehabilitation'. Research shows that being more active, eating well, getting good sleep, and looking after your mental wellbeing can reduce surgical complications and help you get back on your feet more quickly.
While this support is valuable, not everyone can attend hospital sessions during the busy weeks before an operation. To make support easier to reach, researchers in the North East and Yorkshire are developing a secure website and smartphone programme. This digital tool is designed to give patients guided advice, goal tracking, and expert reassurance from the comfort of their own home.
Rather than designing the tool behind closed doors, the team wants patients and healthcare professionals to build it together. Taking part gives you an active voice in shaping how future digital healthcare works. By sharing what felt helpful, what felt confusing, or what was missing, you can help make surgery a smoother journey for others.
Key takeaways
- The study aims to create an easy online programme to help people get healthier before major surgery.
- Patients work together with NHS staff in workshops and interviews to design and test the tools.
- Taking part involves sharing your views, trying out digital tools, and wearing a simple activity tracker.
- It does not involve any experimental drugs and will not change your planned surgery date.
- Your involvement is entirely voluntary, and you can stop at any time without impacting your NHS care.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to adults aged 18 and over who live in the UK and are either preparing for major surgery or have had an operation recently.
For the first part of the study, you may be eligible if you are recovering from a major operation (within the last three months) or are currently waiting for one, and you are living at home. For the testing stage, you will need to be awaiting major surgery at least four weeks away, have access to the internet and a smartphone, and have health habits you would like to improve.
You cannot take part if you are under 18, are currently receiving end-of-life care, or are unable to complete forms in English. For the app-testing stage, pregnant individuals and those with severe mental health conditions that require active crisis care are also unable to take part.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am aged 18 or older.
- I am currently waiting for major surgery or have had major surgery in the past 3 months.
- I live at home and am comfortable speaking and reading English.
- I have access to the internet and am willing to use a smartphone.
- I would like support to improve my fitness, diet, sleep, or wellbeing before surgery.
What does participation involve?
What you do depends on which stage of the study you join. In the first stage, you will be invited to a short interview, complete a brief survey, and take part in small group workshops. In these sessions, you will look at early designs of the website and tell the team what works and what needs improving.
If you join the second stage, you will use the online programme at home for at least four weeks leading up to your planned surgery. You will be given access to the website and a wearable device (such as a fitness wristband) to help track your daily habits, all while staying in touch with the study team.
There are no extra hospital tests, blood samples, or experimental medicines involved. Taking part will not change or delay your surgery date, and you can participate alongside your routine NHS appointments.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- James Cook University HospitalApproximateMiddlesbrough, England
- York HospitalApproximateYork, England
Common questions
Will taking part delay or change my planned surgery?
No. Your scheduled hospital care and operation date will carry on as normal. The study simply runs alongside your standard appointments.
Do I have to pay anything to take part?
No. Taking part is completely free. The study is funded by charitable and public partners, including Sport England and Macmillan Cancer Support.
What if I am not very confident using computers or smartphones?
The team wants the programme to be simple for everyone to use. You do not need to be a tech expert, and patient feedback on what feels confusing is warmly welcomed.
Do I have to share personal medical details with other patients?
No. During group discussions, you only share what you feel comfortable talking about. Your private medical records remain confidential.
Can I leave the study if I change my mind?
Yes. You can step away at any point without giving a reason. Leaving the study will never affect the quality of your NHS treatment.
How to find out more
Gerard Danjoux
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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