Authors
Chung M1, Wang S2, Chu T2
1Department of Quality Management, Chang Gung Medical Foundation, Taoyuan, Taiwan (R. O. C.); School of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan (R. O. C.)
2Department of Quality Management, Chang Gung Medical Foundation, Taoyuan, Taiwan (R. O. C.)
Abstract
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Background:
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is an evidence-based, patient-centred, multimodal perioperative care pathway. It aims to optimise patient physiology, reduce anaesthetic and postoperative discomfort, and facilitate postoperative recovery in patients undergoing major surgery.
Objectives:
The aims of our study were (1) to develop an ERAS care pathway at our institution based on evidence-based literature and clinical care guidelines, and (2) to assess the perioperative benefits of implementing an ERAS protocol and associated complications in patients undergoing major surgery.
Methods:
From 1 January 2022 to 20 December 2022, a list of nine care processes was developed with eight surgical teams. From 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023, a total of 403 patients participated in an adapted ERAS protocol. Length of stay, implementation of protocol elements, readmission rates and complications were analysed.
Results:
In the ERAS patient group, the implementation rate of protocol elements was more than 90%. The study found a significantly lower 30-day readmission rate (5.1% versus 1.2%). In addition, patients who followed the ERAS protocol had shorter lengths of stay and lower complication rates, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (10.1 days versus 8.3 days, range -0.3 to -4.4 days; 6.4% versus 5.1%).
Conclusions:
Our ERAS protocol for patients undergoing major surgery resulted in significant reductions in readmission rates, length of stay and complication rates."
