Online Platform for Bariatric Surgery Preparation

(Pilot Be-Ready Trial)

Overseen By Sylvain Iceta, MD, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Laval University

Disqualifiers: Same household participant, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests an online platform called Precare, designed to prepare individuals for bariatric surgery, which addresses severe obesity. The trial aims to determine if using this platform can make the wait time for surgery more productive by increasing readiness and addressing concerns like fear or uncertainty. Participants on the waiting list for surgery will either wait without intervention, use the platform with a short assessment, or use it with a full assessment to determine which method is most effective. Individuals waiting for bariatric surgery at IUCPQ, who have not yet been assessed and expect to wait more than six months, might be suitable candidates for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to actively enhance readiness for surgery during the waiting period.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.

What prior data suggests that this online platform is safe for bariatric surgery preparation?

Research shows that the Precare platform is generally easy for users to handle. In studies on its use for preparing for bariatric surgery, no serious side effects have been reported. Precare educates patients awaiting surgery, helping them feel more prepared and less anxious.

Although no direct comparison is available, the platform resembles other online health tools, which are usually safe and effective for many people. Since this study does not involve a new drug or medical procedure, the risks are low. The focus is on using digital content to support patients, which typically carries a low risk of causing problems.

Overall, evidence suggests that the Precare platform is a safe choice for those preparing for bariatric surgery. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Precare platform for bariatric surgery preparation because it offers a personalized, interactive approach to patient education, which is different from the standard pre-surgery protocols. Unlike traditional methods that may rely heavily on in-person consultations and printed materials, Precare provides patients with online access to educational content tailored to their needs, potentially improving their readiness and outcomes. Additionally, this platform allows for comprehensive assessments of patient readiness and usability, which could lead to more efficient surgery preparation and better overall patient experiences.

What evidence suggests that the Precare platform is effective for preparing patients for bariatric surgery?

Research has shown that online platforms like Precare, accessible to participants in this trial, can significantly aid in preparing for weight loss surgery. Studies have found that patients using educational programs before surgery often achieve greater weight loss. These programs help patients understand what to expect, reducing anxiety and improving mental health. Digital platforms provide easy access to crucial information, simplifying surgery preparation. Early evidence suggests these platforms are particularly beneficial when in-person resources are unavailable, ensuring patients are well-prepared and informed. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with severe obesity who are on the waiting list for bariatric surgery. It aims to help them prepare for their upcoming procedure using an online platform called Precare, which provides personalized educational content and helps manage appointments.

Inclusion Criteria

Not yet assessed by the local team and with an expected wait time of more than 6 months

I am on the waiting list for weight loss surgery at IUCPQ.

I understand French.

Exclusion Criteria

Be part of the same household as someone already involved in this research project

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Preparation

Participants use the Precare platform for educational content and readiness assessment

6 months

Online access

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for engagement and knowledge retention

6 months

Online assessments at 3 and 6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Precare

Trial Overview The study tests the Precare online platform's usability, acceptability, and effectiveness in a clinical setting. It evaluates whether this digital tool can improve patient readiness for metabolic and bariatric surgery by offering education and logistical support.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Arm 3: active arm with a full assessment Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants randomized to the active arm with a full assessment (arm 3) will be provided with 6-month of full access to the educational platform Precare after having fulfilled a REDCap module, including the participant's description module, the readiness assessment, the Precare usability module, and the secondary clinical assessment module.

Group II: Arm 2: active arm with a short assessment Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants randomized to the active arm with a short assessment (arm 2) will be provided with 6-month of full access to the educational platform Precare and will have to fulfill the participant's description module and the readiness assessment (same as arm 1), as well as the Precare usability module.

Group III: Arm 1: Control arm Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will follow the standard protocols of preparation for a bariatric surgery and remain on the waiting list without access to the educational platform (Precare). Participants will have to fulfill the participant's description module and the readiness assessment. After the 6-month assessment, the patient will be providing a full access to Precare and will follow the same assessment process as arm 3 (i.e., Precare usability module, and the secondary clinical assessment module).

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Laval University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

439

Recruited

178,000+

Citations

1. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550728925006847

The practice of preoperative patient education in metabolic ... Study shares national insights on preoperative patient education practices. Education consists of content, delivery methods, measurement and clinical outcomes.

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9392699/

The Long-Term Impact of Postoperative Educational Programs ... The most novel findings in our study conclude that FA to the educational programs have improved weight loss compared to the IFA and tend to have ...

3. trial.medpath.com trial.medpath.com/clinical-trial/fcee7062013cfbce/nct07201870-online-bariatric-surgery-preparation-platform

Digital Preparation for Bariatric Surgery: Feasability Pilot Trial A free online education platform could optimize the time spent on the MBS waiting list by increasing patients' readiness for MBS, furnishing ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11661839/

Psychological Benefits of a Preoperative Educational ... The educational program proved to be effective in bridging the gap in preoperative preparation while also stabilizing participants' mental health.

5. asmbs.org asmbs.org/resources/the-practice-of-preoperative-patient-education-in-metabolic-bariatric-surgery-results-of-a-national-survey/

The Practice of Preoperative Patient Education in ... A national survey of bariatric professionals reveals key content, methods, and outcomes in preoperative education, highlighting its perceived impact on surgical ...

6. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-obesity-9-2025-c68f9

Online Platform for Bariatric Surgery Preparation (Pilot Be- ... ... Precare will have tolerable side effects & efficacy for patients with Obesity, Bariatric Surgery Patients, Online Learning, Health Literacy, ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12277319/

Preoperative remote consultation for a green bariatric surgery This study evaluates the safety, clinical effectiveness and environmental impact of telemedicine for patients with obesity eligible for ...

8. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04451499

NCT04451499 | The Effect of Adding Smartphone-based ... A randomized controlled trial on 40 bariatric surgery candidates who will be randomized into two arms (app vs. control). All the participants will receive ...

9. humanfactors.jmir.org humanfactors.jmir.org/2022/1/e29782/

Designing Digital Health Technology to Support Patients ... This study aims to understand how digital technologies can be used to support patient care during the perioperative journey to improve weight loss outcomes and ...