PoPEx

The PoPEx project extends the CANOPTIPHYS study. The purpose of the project is to provide motivational support for preoperative exercise and remote support to monitor complex and time-consuming interventions more efficiently.

The PoPEx study is divided in two phases. In phase 1 we developed a digital tool for remote support with an iterative co-creation approach by analysing user needs from patients, patient representatives and physiotherapists and synthesizing requirements. In phase 2, data collection for evaluating the feasibility of the digital tool regarding applicability, usability, and motivational aspects was finalized in February, 2026 and analyses are ongoing.

In phase 1 participants and physiotherapists from the CANOPTIPHYS study were invited to participate in the development phase of the digital tool through workshops. To evaluate feasibility of the digital tool in phase 2, a consecutive sample of 9 new participants have been recruited from the surgery clinics at the Karolinska University hospital. They received the same intervention that were used in the CANOPTIPHYS study, but they also used the digital tool including remote support from physiotherapists in primary care. The co-creation process where patients, clinicians and managers are closely involved from the very beginning has contributed to improved knowledge, participation and engagement regarding digital development and process, which in turn will enhance implementation.