Implementation of a Successful Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Program in a Community Hospital

Abstract

Background Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have been shown to be effective at accelerating return to functioning, reducing length of stay, and reducing cost per encounter at major medical centers and health systems across the United States and Europe. Implementation in the community hospital setting has been considered more challenging due to a wide range of factors. This study demonstrates the successful creation of such a program in a community hospital in central North Carolina. Methods Starting in the spring of 2016, an anesthesiology-led, multidisciplinary ERAS team was formed with the purpose of developing an enhanced recovery after major urologic surgery program. A clinical protocol was developed by the team that met quarterly to review metrics. Outcome data were collected by chart review and compared to pre-ERAS values in a retrospective, nonrandomized, consecutive fashion and underwent statistical analysis. Results Overall, a reduction in both average and median length of stay (37% reduction) was observed in the post-ERAS group along with a reduction in 90-day readmission. Statistical analysis confirmed a very strong likelihood (p