Implementation of an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol for bariatric surgery - A qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocols are well-established in fields such as colorectal surgery but within bariatric surgery have not been uniformly adopted by all programs.

Methods: Qualitative study with focus groups at five hospitals participating in a statewide bariatric surgery quality improvement collaborative. Members of the clinical care team at each pilot site participated. Participants described barriers to implementation, and strategies to address these.

Results: Participants expressed satisfaction with the implementation process. Barriers included a lack of buy-in from team members, availability of specific resources, staffing turnover, and interruption to implementation. Increased communication at all phases and a specific point-person to guide implementation would improve success.

Conclusions: These findings will be integrated into our work as we continue to implement this protocol at all hospitals participating within the collaborative. Future work will focus on the impact of the protocol on clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction following surgery.

Keywords: ERAS; Enhanced recovery; Quality improvement.