Work

Best evidence synthesis of preoperative prehabilitation for older patients undergoing gastrointestinal cancer surgery

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objective: To identify, evaluate, and synthesize the best available evidence on preoperative rehabilitation for older patients undergoing gastrointestinal tumor surgery. Methods: Following the "6S" evidence model, a systematic search was conducted for clinical decisions, guidelines, systematic reviews, expert consensus statements, evidence summaries, and randomized controlled trials on preoperative prehabilitation for older patients with gastrointestinal tumors. Searches covered major domestic and international databases as well as professional websites, with literature collected up to 30 November 2024. Two researchers independently screened the studies, assessed methodological quality, and extracted data, with input from expert judgment. Results: A total of 22 publications were included: 1 clinical decision, 6 clinical guidelines, 5 systematic reviews, 5 expert consensus statements, 3 evidence summaries, and 2 randomized controlled trials. From these, 33 key evidence items were synthesized across seven domains: implementation timing and team composition, preoperative risk assessment, nutritional intervention, exercise intervention, psychological support, specialized management, and supervision and evaluation. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive and methodologically consistent summary of the available evidence. Healthcare professionals should individualize evidence-based prehabilitation strategies according to patients' clinical characteristics and preferences to improve surgical outcomes.

Source: Asia-Pacific Journal of Oncology Nursing

DOI: 10.1016/j.apjon.2025.100781