Zeinab M Alawadi1, Isabel Leal2, Uma R Phatak1, Juan R Flores-Gonzalez3, Julie L Holihan1, Burzeen E Karanjawala3, Stefanos G Millas3, Lillian S Kao4. 1. Department of General Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX; Center for Surgical Trials and Evidence-based Practice, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX. 2. Department of General Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX; Integrative Medicine Program, Department of General Oncology, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX. 3. Department of General Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX. 4. Department of General Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX; Center for Surgical Trials and Evidence-based Practice, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX. Electronic address: Lillian.S.Kao@uth.tmc.edu.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways are known to decrease complications and duration of stay in colorectal surgery patients. However, it is unclear whether an ERAS pathway would be feasible and effective at a safety-net hospital. The aim of this study was to identify local barriers and facilitators before the adoption of an ERAS pathway for patients undergoing colorectal operations at a safety-net hospital. METHODS: Semistructured interviews were conducted to assess the perceived barriers and facilitators before ERAS adoption. Stratified purposive sampling was used. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using content analysis. Analytic and investigator triangulation were used to establish credibility. RESULTS: Interviewees included 8 anesthesiologists, 5 surgeons, 6 nurses, and 18 patients. Facilitators identified across the different medical professions were (1) feasibility and alignment with current practice, (2) standardization of care, (3) smallness of community, (4) good teamwork and communication, and (5) caring for patients. The barriers were (1) difficulty in adapting to change, (2) lack of coordination between different departments, (3) special needs of a highly comorbid and socioeconomically disadvantaged patient population, (4) limited resources, and (5) rotating residents. Facilitators identified by the patients were (1) welcoming a speedy recovery, (2) being well-cared for and satisfied with treatment, (3) adequate social support, (4) welcoming early mobilization, and (5) effective pain management. The barriers were (1) lack of quiet and private space, (2) need for more patient education and counseling, and (3) unforeseen complications. CONCLUSION: Although limited hospital resources are perceived as a barrier to ERAS implementation at a safety-net hospital, there is strong support for such pathways and multiple factors were identified that may facilitate change. Inclusion of patient perspectives is critical to identifying challenges and facilitators to implementing ERAS changes focused on optimizing patient perioperative health and outcomes.
BACKGROUND: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways are known to decrease complications and duration of stay in colorectal surgery patients. However, it is unclear whether an ERAS pathway would be feasible and effective at a safety-net hospital. The aim of this study was to identify local barriers and facilitators before the adoption of an ERAS pathway for patients undergoing colorectal operations at a safety-net hospital. METHODS: Semistructured interviews were conducted to assess the perceived barriers and facilitators before ERAS adoption. Stratified purposive sampling was used. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using content analysis. Analytic and investigator triangulation were used to establish credibility. RESULTS: Interviewees included 8 anesthesiologists, 5 surgeons, 6 nurses, and 18 patients. Facilitators identified across the different medical professions were (1) feasibility and alignment with current practice, (2) standardization of care, (3) smallness of community, (4) good teamwork and communication, and (5) caring for patients. The barriers were (1) difficulty in adapting to change, (2) lack of coordination between different departments, (3) special needs of a highly comorbid and socioeconomically disadvantaged patient population, (4) limited resources, and (5) rotating residents. Facilitators identified by the patients were (1) welcoming a speedy recovery, (2) being well-cared for and satisfied with treatment, (3) adequate social support, (4) welcoming early mobilization, and (5) effective pain management. The barriers were (1) lack of quiet and private space, (2) need for more patient education and counseling, and (3) unforeseen complications. CONCLUSION: Although limited hospital resources are perceived as a barrier to ERAS implementation at a safety-net hospital, there is strong support for such pathways and multiple factors were identified that may facilitate change. Inclusion of patient perspectives is critical to identifying challenges and facilitators to implementing ERAS changes focused on optimizing patient perioperative health and outcomes.
Authors: Michael J Scott; Matthew D McEvoy; Debra B Gordon; Stuart A Grant; Julie K M Thacker; Christopher L Wu; Tong J Gan; Monty G Mythen; Andrew D Shaw; Timothy E Miller Journal: Perioper Med (Lond) Date: 2017-04-13
Authors: Heather M Hanson; Lindsey Warkentin; Roxanne Wilson; Navtej Sandhu; Susan E Slaughter; Rachel G Khadaroo Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2017-08-24 Impact factor: 2.655
Authors: Gabrielle E Hatton; Krislynn M Mueck; Isabel M Leal; Shuyan Wei; Tien C Ko; Lillian S Kao Journal: World J Surg Date: 2020-09-11 Impact factor: 3.352
Authors: Georgia Herbert; Eileen Sutton; Sorrel Burden; Stephen Lewis; Steve Thomas; Andy Ness; Charlotte Atkinson Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2017-08-31 Impact factor: 2.655