The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Program is focused on improving surgical outcomes and enhancing the patient experience before, during and after surgery. The program is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and other healthcare professionals working collaboratively to implement highly effective, evidenced-based interventions and protocols that accelerate recovery following surgery.
The ERAS process begins even before the patient has been seen by one of our providers. Specifically, the ERAS working committee continuously monitors available clinical evidence to identify the most effective interventions for our patient population, selecting those that provide maximal impact towards recovery. The patient's health is optimized before surgery. During surgery, medications and fluids are optimized and tailored to the needs of the individual patient. After surgery, emphasis is placed on early feeding and mobility, and the use of non-sedating pain medications. Upon discharge from the hospital, patients have convenient access to their medical team through an online patient portal or via a central phone number. Counseling and patient education utilize audiovisual aids at each step of the process. Patient education is also reinforced in written handouts.
This approach has resulted in improved outcomes and higher patient satisfaction. Patients in the ERAS program thus receive state-of-the-art perioperative care from a multidisciplinary team of professionals on the forefront of advances in this nascent field.