The feasibility of using a digital tool to enhance mobilisation following abdominal cancer surgery—a non-randomised controlled trial

Background Early mobilisation is strongly recommended following abdominal cancer surgery, but evidence on how to structure early mobilisation to improve outcomes and support patient adherence is lacking. Pedatim® (Phystec) is a novel digital tool designed to support mobilisation in hospital settings using prescribed activities and goals on a tablet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the Pedatim tablet to enhance mobilisation following abdominal cancer surgery. Methods In a non-randomised feasibility trial design, participants were recruited between January and May 2022 at Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden. Participants used a Pedatim tablet from postoperative day 1 (POD 1) until hospital discharge. The primary objective was to evaluate process feasibility, regarding recruitment, compliance, and acceptability. Recruitment was measured by percentage of available patients included, eligibility criteria sufficiency, and number of dropouts. Compliance was measured by number of patients using versus not using the board. Acceptability was measured using the System Usability Scale. The secondary objective was to evaluate scientific feasibility, defined as an indication of treatment effects where physical activity was assessed using an activPAL accelerometer. Unforeseen events relating to the tablet were also registered. Results Based on predetermined feasibility criteria, the overall study design was determined to be feasible regarding recruitment as 69% accepted participation ( n = 20), compliance was 95%, and the acceptability mean score was high (77/100). Eligibility criteria were not feasible as 79% ( n = 108) of available patients were excluded. The intervention was determined to be scientifically feasible, mean steps per day increased from 623 (SD 766) to 1823 (SD 1446), and mean sit-to-stand transitions per day increased from 11 (SD 8) to 29 (SD 12) POD 1–4. Technical issues emerged, highlighting the need for available technical support and “user champions” among healthcare professionals on the ward. Conclusions Using the Pedatim tablet to enhance mobilisation following abdominal cancer surgery was deemed feasible, but a randomised controlled trial is needed to determine the tool’s effectiveness. The study process was determined to be feasible with revisions of the eligibility criteria needed before a future trial. Involving healthcare professionals and providing available technical support are important for future implementation.