Patient engagement to enhance recovery for children undergoing surgery

For over 20 years enhanced recovery protocols (ERPs) have been used to decrease the physiologic stress and inflammation of surgery using evidence-based principles. ERPs include optimizing patient preparation, creating less trauma using minimally invasive anesthetic and surgical techniques, and regular audit of outcomes. A critical aspect of ERPs is patient engagement in all phases of care, which facilitates effective team function and focused oversight of patient flow through the system. Counseling extends beyond traditional review of surgical risks and benefits, by creating clear daily patient goals, establishing pain management plans, optimizing nutrition, and defining criteria for discharge.

Source: Seminars in Pediatric Surgery - February 7, 2018 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Kurt F. Heiss, Mehul V. Raval Source Type: research