ESTRO 2021 Abstract Book

S445

ESTRO 2021

OC-0559 Experiences implementing a Radiation Therapist-led oncology prehabilitation program during COVID-19 E. Bennett 1 , T. Clifford 2 , F. Cregan 3 , E. O'Neill 4 , D. Spillane 5 , M. Hickey 1 , P. Kelly 1 1 Bon Secours Radiotherapy Cork in partnership with UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre, Radiotherapy, Cork, Ireland; 2 Bon Secours Hospital, Physiotherapy, Cork, Ireland; 3 Bon Secours Hospital, Dietetics, Cork, Ireland; 4 Cork ARC Cancer Support House, Management, Cork, Ireland; 5 Bon Secours Hospital, Irish Cancer Society Daffodil Centre, Cork, Ireland Purpose or Objective "Prehabilitation" prepares people for treatment by optimising their physical and mental health through needs- based prescribing of exercise, nutrition, and psychological interventions. A multi-modal program was offered to patients who had a recent radical diagnosis of cancer. Our evidence-based program, "SuppoRting pRehabilitation in ONcoloGy" (STRONG program) was designed for patients to: • Physically and psychologically prepare for treatment • Provide education on the benefits of good physical health and mental well-being • Give tools and support for lifestyle changes • Obtain feedback on the content and delivery of the program Materials and Methods A multidisciplinary team involving dieticians, physiotherapists, oncology nurses, oncology counsellors, a patient advocate and Consultant Radiation Oncologist was coordinated by the Radiation Therapist (RTT). A blended program was developed due to COVID-19 comprising face-to-face assessments and two 1-hour live zoom sessions per week, for five weeks. Patients were screened for their suitability using validated screening tools, medical history, and performance status. A physio assessment to gauge baseline physical fitness capabilities was also undertaken. At the end of the 5-week program patients completed a final physio assessment and evaluation form. Qualitative feedback was used to establish how useful and relevant the STRONG program was and to ascertain whether it was a worthwhile venture to expand. The program schedule is shown below (table 1.0).

Results 6 patients took participated in the pilot with diagnoses of prostate, breast and colorectal cancer. 4 patients were on hormone therapy and 5 out of the 6 patients commenced neo-adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment immediately prior or during the STRONG program. Overall compliance to the program was excellent at 97%. The median improvement in the shuttle walk test was 150m (range 110-190m) and the median improvement in the sit to stand test was 8 in a minute (range 1-14).