Poster Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2026

Preliminary efficacy of the ‘RecoverEsupport Breast’ digital health intervention to enhance recovery in women undergoing surgery for breast cancer (146350)

Rebecca Wyse 1 2 , Emma Sansalone 1 2 , Erin Forbes 1 2 , Alison Zucca 1 2 , Anna Palazzi-Parsons 1 2 , Helen Moore 3 , Rebecca Chenery 3 , Mitch Duncan 1 2 4 , Owen Morris 3 , Sancha Robinson 3 5 , Priscilla Viana da Silva 1 2 , Erin Nolan 1 2 , Lucy Leigh 1 2 , Stephen Smith 1 2 3
  1. School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
  2. Hunter Medical Research Institute , New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
  3. Calvary Mater Newcastle, Waratah, NSW, Australia
  4. Global Sport and Movement Collaborative, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
  5. Hunter New England Local Health District, New Lambton, NSW, Australia

Aims: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) guidelines include patient-led behaviours to optimise recovery from surgery (Early Drinking, Eating and Mobilisation; ‘DrEaMing’). However, despite established benefits, adherence is often suboptimal. This RCT evaluates the preliminary efficacy of ‘RecoverEsupport Breast’, a co-designed digital health intervention to support women undergoing breast cancer surgery to adhere to patient-led recommended ERAS behaviours. 

Methods: A two-arm pilot RCT was undertaken at an Australian public cancer centre. Women undergoing mastectomy were randomised to usual care or usual care plus ‘RecoverEsupport Breast.’ The digital intervention incorporated evidence-based behaviour change techniques delivered through a website incorporating text-based information, clinician videos, reminders (SMS/email), daily checklists, and tailored feedback. Data was collected from medical records and patient online surveys (baseline, 30- and 90-days post-surgery). Outcomes included 1) Adherence to ERAS recommendations (Early Drinking, Eating and Mobilisation) 2) PROMS (Quality of Recovery [QoR-15], Quality of Life [QLQ-C30], Anxiety [HADS-A], and 3) Health service outcomes (length of hospital stay, readmissions, ED presentations, healthcare use post-discharge). Bayesian analyses estimated the probability of intervention superiority. 

Results: Between July 2024 and October 2025, 46 patients were approached and 23 consented (Target n=70) and were randomised. Compared with usual care, intervention participants; mobilised more on Day 1 post-surgery (MD=247 minutes; Pr(superiority)=97%); had higher Quality of Recovery (MD=16 QoR-15 points; Pr=95%); and higher quality of life at 30- and 90-days (MD=6.94 and 6.13 QLQ score; Pr=95% and Pr=94%); and lower anxiety (MD=-2.03; Pr=94%). No meaningful between-group differences were observed for hospital length of stay, hospital readmissions or ED presentations. 

Conclusions: This pilot trial provides the first RCT evidence that a co-designed ERAS-focused digital behavioural intervention may improve early mobilisation and patient-reported recovery following breast cancer surgery. The observed clinically meaningful improvements in mobilisation, Quality of Recovery and Anxiety provide proof-of-concept and support evaluation in a fully-powered multicentre RCT.