Tests an online education program before lung or major abdominal cancer surgery
Tests an online education program for adults waiting for lung or abdominal cancer surgery.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Implementing Surgery School Prehabilitation Using Telehealth
Key facts
- Where
- Burnie, Heidelberg, Launceston, Melbourne, New Lambton Heights, Perth, Southport, Waratah, and Woolloongabba, AustraliaSee the 9 sites
AI summary: who the study is looking for
From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.
The trial is looking for adults preparing for lung cancer surgery or major abdominal cancer surgery. It tests an online education program given by telehealth before surgery.
- Age
- 18 years or older
- Sex
- Men and women
- Disease stage
- Preparing for lung cancer surgery (open or video assisted) or major abdominal cancer surgery, for example upper GI, hepatobiliary or colorectal.
Main reasons for not taking part
- Another cancer being treated now, or treated within the past year
- Severe or unstable psychiatric, cognitive or substance abuse disorder that prevents consent or cooperation
- Currently in hospital or incarcerated
- Surgery date booked less than 7 days after consent
- No approval from the main treating surgeon
Read by machine on 12 November 2026.
Where in Australia
- North West Regional HospitalBurnie, AustraliaContact: Ianthe Boden, PhDNot yet recruiting
- Austin HealthHeidelberg, AustraliaContact: Sue Berney, PhDTaking people
- Launceston General HospitalLaunceston, AustraliaContact: Ianthe Boden, PhDTaking people
- Royal Melbourne HospitalMelbourne, AustraliaContact: Leonie Shaw, BAppSc(Phy)Taking people
- John Hunter HospitalNew Lambton Heights, AustraliaContact: Jennifer Mackney, PhDTaking people
- Fiona Stanley HospitalPerth, AustraliaContact: Vinicius Cavalheri, PhDTaking people
- Gold Coast University HospitalSouthport, AustraliaContact: Hayley EdwardsTaking people
- Calvary Mater NewcastleWaratah, AustraliaContact: Jennifer Mackney, PhDTaking people
- Princess Alexandra HospitalWoolloongabba, AustraliaContact: Claire Hackett, BPHTYTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations
Print a page for my doctorTrial details
- Who runs it
- University of Melbourne
- Trial code
- NCT06631872
- Record updated
- 10 June 2026
- Original description
The physiological challenge of major surgery has been likened to running a marathon. In both cases, preparation is critical. Yet, many patients undergo major surgery without understanding the potential consequences.Read full original descriptionShow less
Implementing Tele-prehabilitation Education Into Cancer Care Pathways
The physiological challenge of major surgery has been likened to running a marathon. In both cases, preparation is critical. Yet, many patients undergo major surgery without understanding the potential consequences.
The STTARRS trial aims to test the effect of an education program delivered via telehealth in people preparing for lung or major abdominal cancer surgery , compared with usual care on the development of a respiratory complications after surgery.
The secondary aims will be to determine the effect of the online education program for people preparing for lung or major abdominal cancer surgery compared to usual care on the following outcomes; acute hospital length of stay, surgical recovery, physical function and activity, self-efficacy, behaviour change, symptoms, health-related quality of life, number of days alive and out of hospital and health service usage and survival.
This trial includes one sub-study. The sub-study will recruit eligible people preparing for lung cancer surgery. In the sub-study, 35 participants will receive an individualised inspiratory muscle training and walking program delivered and monitored by telehealth in addition to the main STTARRS trial intervention before surgery.
Inclusion: Preparing for lung cancer (open or video assisted) or major abdominal cancer surgery (e.g. upper GI, hepatobiliary or colorectal, open or video assisted); Provide consent; Have primary treating surgeon approval; Proficient in English to understand testing, video interventions as well as outcome assessments.
Exclusion: Surgery date booked <7 days from consent; Concurrent, actively treated other malignancy or history of other malignancy treated within the past year; Severe or unstable psychiatric, cognitive or substance abuse disorders, such that precludes informed consent or interferes with cooperation with trial requirements or current inpatients; Current inpatients or incarcerated.