Improving the delivery of pre-operative education for patients on the colo-rectal ERAS programme

Susan Montgomery*, Barbara O'Donnell, Caroline Sime

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalMeeting Abstractpeer-review

Abstract

Objectives
Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programmes adopt a standardised evidence based approach to treating patients undergoing colorectal surgery [1]. The ERAS approach aims to reduce post-operative complications, hasten recovery times and improve patient outcomes [2]. Patient education and engagement with the programme is therefore essential from the outset. The main element of the existing education programme comprised of an educational DVD depicting the patients journey. Written and verbal information was also provided. It was identified that very few patients were watching the DVD. A quality improvement project was devised, the aim being to increase the number of patients watching the DVD and to improve the delivery of pre-operative information given to patients.

Methods
Using the Model for Improvement a project charter was created setting out clear project aims and goals. Change ideas and project constraints were considered and identified using current evidence, knowledge of local working practices and information was gathered from a pre-project survey. Project measures were identified to demonstrate how we would know that any changes made were an improvement. A series of change ideas were tested, evaluated and implemented using iterative Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycles.

Results
The project findings showed a steady improvement in the number of patients attending educational drop-in sessions and watching the DVD. Feedback from patients reflected a positive experience and suggested that they felt well prepared for surgery. Other findings demonstrated the benefits of the interactive drop-in sessions as providing an opportunity for patients to access additional help and advice that they might not otherwise have had.

Conclusion
The principles of person-centred care are inherent within the ERAS programme and require added focus and exploitation to manage patient expectations, achieve better outcomes and improve patient experience.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)198-198
Number of pages1
JournalClinical Nutrition ESPEN
Volume25
Early online date18 May 2018
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Jun 2018

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Improving the delivery of pre-operative education for patients on the colo-rectal ERAS programme'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this