Hierarchical design
POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS
We used a hierarchical design for this randomized pilot, beginning with the first part (IA) and allowing for some last adjustments before the next pilot part IB:IB would begin only if IA was completed successfully (i.e., the prototype worked well in the clinical set-up as measured by a score of at least 5 on a 0–10 visual analog scale)A final and sizable randomized trial of the efficacy on lifestyle behaviors and postoperative complications would be triggered only if a substantial agreement was achieved among the patient and the staff groups in IB (defined as Kappa above 0.6 for understanding, usability, covering, and managing lifestyle improvement).Risky drinking was defined as an intake ranging from above 14 drinks per week or at least 25 g ethanol per day on average. Daily smoking was defined as any everyday tobacco smoking, with or without dependence symptoms.