Development and Implementation of an Orthopedic Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Protocol

Author

Beth McCoyFollow

Date of Award

Fall 12-18-2020

Document Type

DNP Project

Project Team Faculty Member

Dr. Mary Zerlan

Project Team Faculty Member

Dr. Rebecca Collier

Keywords

Enhanced recovery after surgery, ERAS, total hip arthroplasty, total knee arthroplasty

Abstract

Abstract

As life expectancy rates have grown and individuals desire a more active lifestyle the number of total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty surgeries performed has grown significantly. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have been shown to decrease the financial impact and improve patient outcomes in total joint surgeries. After a literature review a multidisciplinary team met and developed an ERAS protocol for total joint replacement surgeries to be implemented at a 250-bed community hospital in central Illinois. After an eleven-question pre-test was given to 34 participants consisting of perioperative nursing staff, anesthesia, and surgeons assessing their knowledge of ERAS protocols, a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the key elements, goals, and benefits of the ERAS protocol was presented. After completing the PowerPoint presentation and utilization of the ERAS protocol for one month, a post-test following the same format was given to the 34 participants identifying that all respondents could correctly identify key components, goals, and benefits of an ERAS protocol. This project is sustainable by continued use of the PowerPoint educational presentation and continued review of quality metrics to confirm decreased length of hospital stays, decreased complications, and improved patient satisfaction.

Recommended Citation

McCoy, Beth, "Development and Implementation of an Orthopedic Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Protocol" (2020). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 130.
https://spark.siue.edu/dnpprojects/130

Download Full Text Above