EVIDENCE-BASED RECOVERY: META-ANALYTIC INSIGHTS ON ERAS NURSING AND GI POSTOPERATIVE REHABILITATION

Abstract

ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocols have changed the nature of postoperative care, most notably within gastrointestinal (GI) surgery, by prioritizing the use of multiple interventions4 that are designed to improve recovery times, reduce complications, and improve patient outcomes. Nursing interventions are essential for the successful application of ERAS protocols, especially in the context of pain management, mobilization, and nutrition after surgery. This meta-analysis is aimed to combine the existing evidences about the application of ERAS nursing interventions for GI postoperative rehabilitation, especially for clinical outcomes, such as length of hospital stay, the incidence of complications, and patients’ satisfaction. Reviewing a selection of papers, the review identifies nursing procedures, including timely rehabilitation, teaching and fluid and nutrition management, which enhance recovery speeds. Moreover, it evaluates the influence of these interventions on decreasing readmission rates and the necessity for additional medical intervention, stressing the long-term benefits of ERAS nursing care. The results stress the importance of nursing team in implementation of ERAS pathways and recommend an evidence-based, interdisciplinary model of postoperative GI rehabilitation. This literature review presents best available evidence-based algorithm for adopting ERAS nursing practice as routine clinical care and how it can lead to faster/safer recoveries and improved quality of patient care in GI surgery.