The current and future role of nurses within enhanced recovery after surgery pathways.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways have been proven to expedite recovery after many procedures and reduce lengths of stay in hospital and surgical complications. However, improvements are still needed, especially in postoperative ERAS components delivered by nurses such as early mobilisation and oral feeding. This article summarises the current and possible future role of nurses within ERAS, and recommends areas for future research. DISCUSSION: Nurses are the professionals who spend the most time with patients throughout the perioperative pathway and are known to play a vital role in delivering many components of an ERAS pathway. They frequently co-ordinate care across disciplines and ensure continuity of care. However, there is a paucity of ERAS research specific to nurses compared to other professional groups. Continual training on ERAS will be required to ensure nurses are highly educated and for the best possible ERAS implementation. In certain types of surgery, nurses may fulfil extended roles in the postoperative period, such as taking over responsibility and leadership for co-ordinating pain management, mobilisation and discharge. However, this requires a well-defined care programme, a clear definition of nursing responsibilities from surgeons, agreed discharge criteria and highly qualified nurses, along with the collection and analysis of data to test safety and efficacy. CONCLUSION: Increasing nurse involvement in ERAS research is vital to drive improvements in care and to develop nursing roles. Nurses should have a major role in the preoperative clinic, the early postoperative phase and the follow-up post-discharge period, where the benefits of ERAS need to be further documented.

Postoperative mobilisation as an indicator for the quality of surgical nursing care.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative mobilisation is an important part of fundamental care. Increased mobilisation has positive effect on recovery, but immobilisation is still a challenge in postoperative care. AIMS: To report how the establishment of a national nursing database was used to measure postoperative mobilisation in patients undergoing surgery for ovarian cancer. METHODS: 'Mobilisation' was defined as at least 3 hours out of bed on postoperative day 1, with the goal set at achieving this in 60% of patients. Data entry was performed by clinical nurses on 4400 patients with ovarian cancer. FINDINGS: 46.7% of patients met the goal for mobilisation on the first postoperative day, but variations in duration and type of mobilisation were observed. Of those mobilised, 51.8% had been walking in the hallway. CONCLUSIONS: A national nursing database creates opportunities to optimise fundamental care. By comparing nursing data with oncological, surgical and pathology data it became possible to study mobilisation in relation to cancer stage, comorbidity, treatment and extent of surgery.

A simple method to secure data-driven improvement of perioperative care.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programmes have been adopted to a varying degree by most surgical departments, not only in Denmark, but worldwide. AIMS: To report the process from a local ERAS unit in a tertiary university hospital to accelerate implementation of ERAS programmes in all surgical specialties. METHODS: All surgical departments receive twice-yearly procedure-specific data on length of stay (LOS), readmission rates and death within 30 days, based on surgical codes and the Danish National Patient Register. The ERAS unit and clinical experts review data followed by a clinical audit where appropriate. FINDINGS: Setting up data presentation for clinical and nurse leaders has documented progress in implementing ERAS. The combination of outcome data, together with audits have been essential. CONCLUSION: The local ERAS unit has been shown to accelerate implementation of ERAS programmes in all surgical specialties, facilitated by procedure-specific LOS and re-admission data, combined with audit data.

A nationwide study of the quality of surgical guidelines and written patient information.

INTRODUCTION: Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) support enhanced post-operative recovery and decrease morbidity. In addition, patient information leaflets (PILs) are associated with enhanced overall outcomes and improved patient satisfaction. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the quality of CPGs and PILs in cancer surgery departments undertaking pulmonary lobectomy, nephrectomy, cystectomy, whipples, colorectal and ovarian surgery. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study within 44 surgical departments in six cancer subspecialties: lung (n = 4), kidney (n = 9), bladder (n = 5), pancreas (n = 4), colorectal (n = 18) and ovarian (n = 4). Local CPGs were assessed according to nine key elements, i.e. discharge criteria and plans for mobilisation, pain management, nutrition, fluid, nausea and vomiting, antibiotics, bowel movements and urinary drainage. The PILs were evaluated using the DISCERN tool. RESULTS: All departments had CPGs and PILs. Overall, 43% of the departments incorporated all nine key elements in the CPGs. Yet, a third of the CPGs lacked well-defined discharge criteria, and half of the PILs were of poor/very poor quality (48%); the remainder were fair (43%) or good (10%). CONCLUSIONS: CPGs and PILs are highly available in Danish departments that perform cancer surgery. However, this study revealed that local CPGs lacked discharge criteria, and the majority of the PILs were considered of poor quality, suggesting that post-operative management after cancer surgery is of varying quality. FUNDING: not relevant. TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.

The Danish Gynecological Cancer Nursing Database: Creating Evidence for Quality Improvements in Preoperative and Postoperative Cancer Care.

OBJECTIVE: Quality of preoperative and postoperative care is crucial to improve postoperative outcome of cancer surgery and to ensure that neither complications nor a poor general condition delays any subsequent radiochemotherapy or recovery. On this background, the Danish Gynecological Cancer Database (DGCD) established a nursing database in 2011. The aim of DGCD Nursing is to monitor the quality of preoperative and postoperative care and to generate data for research. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In accordance with the current data protection legislation, real-time data are entered by clinical nurses at all national cancer centers. The DGCD Nursing includes data of preoperative and postoperative care, and nurses are independently represented in the steering committee. The aim of the present article is to present the first results from DGCD Nursing and the national care improvements that have followed. RESULTS: With national coverage of an average of 94%, 5726 patients have been registered since 2011. In patients undergoing surgery for ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancer, 436 different variables monitor central preoperative and postoperative care elements within mobilization, nutritional status, pain score, vital functions, and psychosocial support. CONCLUSIONS: At national level, DGCD offers a comprehensive overview of the total patient pathway within gynecological cancer surgery. The DGCD Nursing has added to the quality and implementation of evidence-based preoperative and postoperative care and in addition supported formation of professional networks. With a continued validation of data, DGCD Nursing now constitutes a sound and unique basis for research within the field of preoperative and postoperative cancer care.

Consensus on Training and Implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery: A Delphi Study.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is widely accepted in current surgical practice due to its positive impact on patient outcomes. The successful implementation of ERAS is challenging and compliance with protocols varies widely. Continual staff education is essential for successful ERAS programmes. Teaching modalities exist, but there remains no agreement regarding the optimal training curriculum or how its effectiveness is assessed. We aimed to draw consensus from an expert panel regarding the successful training and implementation of ERAS. METHODS: A modified Delphi technique was used; three rounds of questionnaires were sent to 58 selected international experts from 11 countries across multiple ERAS specialities and multidisciplinary teams (MDT) between January 2016 and February 2017. We interrogated opinion regarding four topics: (1) the components of a training curriculum and the structure of training courses; (2) the optimal framework for successful implementation and audit of ERAS including a guide for data collection; (3) a framework to assess the effectiveness of training; (4) criteria to define ERAS training centres of excellence. RESULTS: An ERAS training course must cover the evidence-based principles of ERAS with team-oriented training. Successful implementation requires strong leadership, an ERAS facilitator and an effective MDT. Effectiveness of training can be measured by improved compliance. A training centre of excellence should show a willingness to teach and demonstrable team working. CONCLUSIONS: We propose an international expert consensus providing an ERAS training curriculum, a framework for successful implementation, methods for assessing effectiveness of training and a definition of ERAS training centres of excellence.

[Perioperative care of patients with stage IIIC ovarian cancer]. / Perioperativ behandling af ovariecancer i stadium IIIC.

INTRODUCTION: Besides intraoperative efforts, the perioperative care is essential to improve the postoperative outcome following ovarian cancer surgery. Multimodal evidence-based care within the fast-track methodology significantly enhances postoperative recovery and reduces morbidity. The purpose of this study was to assess and discuss perioperative care principles in patients undergoing ovarian cancer surgery with stage IIIC at the six centres in Denmark performing this surgical procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was a retrospective audit. The study included 90 consecutive patients, 15 from each of the centres at which operations were performed in 2007. Data was obtained from medical and nursing files. The extent of the surgical procedure was recorded. RESULTS: For patients without extensive surgery effort, the median hospital stay was six days; for patients with extensive surgery, the median hospital stay was 13 days. A total of 48 percent of the patients without maximal surgery effort fulfilled the goals for mobilization on the day of surgery, and 19 percent on the first postoperative day. A total of 35 percent of the patients with maximal surgery effort fulfilled the goals for mobilization on the day of the surgery, and 24 percent on the first postoperative day. Less than half of the patients had regular oral diet and protein enriched drinks on or before the third postoperative day. CONCLUSION: Mobilization, nutrition, nausea and pain are severe problems for patients undergoing ovarian cancer surgery. Optimized perioperative care is needed including a procedure-specific, evidence-based clinical guideline for patients receiving extensive surgery.

[Convalescence and sick leave after colonic surgery]. / Rekonvalescens og sygemelding efter kolonresektion.

The benefits of fast-track surgery are improved recovery and a shorter period of postoperative convalescence. After uncomplicated colonic resection, there is no pathophysiological basis for recommending a postoperative convalescence of more than 2-3 weeks. Advice after discharge - Convalescence: Daily activities and light exercise should be resumed as soon as possible. Physically moderate work should be resumed after two weeks. Physically severe exercise and lifts (> 10 kg) as well as physically strenuous work may be resumed after 3-4 weeks.

[Surgical care guidelines]. / Forekomst af kirurgiske procedurespecifikke kliniske vejledninger.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence-based guidelines for perioperative care facilitate the recovery process and decrease morbidity and hospital stay. The aim of this study was to evaluate the availability and content of guidelines for perioperative care in all departments performing colonic resection, nephrectomy, ovarian cancer surgery, pulmonary resection and total knee replacement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based upon nationwide workshops and agreement on clinical guidelines for perioperative care a questionnaire was sent to all surgical departments which perform the five procedures. Where available, the guidelines were assessed for presence of written information at admission and discharge, expected hospital stay, plan for mobilisation, nutrition and pain control as well as information on care after discharge. RESULTS: Between 59% and 88% of the departments within each subspecialty had clinical guidelines for perioperative care. The content in the existing guidelines often lacked accurate information regarding preoperative information, objective pain assessment and well-defined discharge criteria. CONCLUSION: The number of clinical guidelines is increasing, but there is a need for further implementation of clinical guidelines for perioperative care in order to improve outcome.

[Accelerated course after operation for ovarian cancer]. / Accelereret forløb efter operation for ovariecancer.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction of principles for postoperative multimodal rehabilitation (fast track surgery) has decreased hospital stay from about 8-10 days to 2-4 days after colonic resection. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a similar fast track regimen in patients operated for ovarian cancer. METHOD: 72 consecutive patients operated with a conventional perioperative treatment regimen (group 1) were compared with the initial 69 consecutive patients (group 2) with a multimodal rehabilitation regimen and the next 50 consecutive patients (group 3) where the fast track regimen was implemented as a routine. RESULTS: Patients demographics and surgical characteristics were comparable between groups. Median postoperative hospital stay was reduced from six days in group 1, to five days in group 2, and four days in group 3 (p < 0,05). Surgical complications were similar while medical complications were reduced from 12% to 1% (p < 0,05) and readmissions from 10% to 2% (p < 0,05) with the fast track regimen. CONCLUSION: Principles for postoperative multimodal rehabilitation from colonic surgery lead to faster rehabilitation, decreased risk of medical complications and hospital stay in patients operated for ovarian cancer.

The effect of accelerated rehabilitation on recovery after surgery for ovarian malignancy.

BACKGROUND: In patients undergoing colonic surgery the postoperative hospital stay has been reduced from 8-12 days to 2-4 days with multimodal rehabilitation programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the postoperative outcome after surgery for ovarian malignancy with conventional care compared to fast-track multimodal rehabilitation. METHODS: Seventy-two consecutive patients receiving conventional care (group 1) were compared with 69 consecutive patients receiving multimodal, fast-track rehabilitation with a planned care program including continuous epidural analgesia, early oral feeding and mobilization (group 2) in the same department. Outcome was postoperative hospital stay and morbidity during the first postoperative month. RESULTS: Median age was 63 years (group 1) and 62 years (group 2). Median postoperative hospital stay was reduced from 6 days in group 1 (mean 7.3) to 5 days in group 2 (mean 5.4) (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the overall complication rate, although severe medical complications were reduced in group 2 (14% versus 2%; p < 0.01). Readmission rate was 10% in group 1 and 3% in group 2 (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The concept of fast-track multimodal rehabilitation appears to be beneficial in patients operated for ovarian malignancy, as hospital stay and medical morbidity are reduced.

Functional recovery after open versus laparoscopic colonic resection: a randomized, blinded study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic colonic surgery has been claimed to hasten recovery and reduce hospital stay compared with open operation. Recently, enforced multimodal rehabilitation (fast-track surgery) has improved recovery and reduced hospital stay in both laparoscopic and open colonic surgery. Since no comparative data between laparoscopic and open colonic resection with multimodal rehabilitation are available, the value of laparoscopy per se is unknown. METHODS: In a randomized, observer-and-patient, blinded trial, 60 patients (median age 75 years) underwent elective laparoscopic or open colonic resection with fast-track rehabilitation and planned discharge after 48 hours. Functional recovery was assessed in detail during the first postoperative month. RESULTS: Median postoperative hospital stay was 2 days in both groups, with early and similar recovery to normal activities as assessed by hours of mobilization per day, computerized monitoring of motor activity assessed, pulmonary function, cardiovascular response to treadmill exercise, pain, sleep quality, fatigue, and return to normal gastrointestinal function. There were no significant differences in postoperative morbidity, mortality, or readmissions, although 3 patients died in the open versus nil in the laparoscopic group. CONCLUSION: Functional recovery after colonic resection is rapid with a multimodal rehabilitation regimen and without differences between open and laparoscopic operation. Further large-scale studies are required on potential differences in serious morbidity and mortality.