Theory-based implementation of an enhanced recovery protocol for cranial surgery

Abstract

Objective: There is growing evidence for the use of enhanced recovery protocols (ERPs) in cranial surgery. As they become widespread, successful implementation of these complex interventions will become a challenge for neurosurgical teams owing to the need for multidisciplinary engagement. Here, the authors describe the novel use of an implementation framework (normalization process theory [NPT]) to promote the incorporation of a cranial surgery ERP into routine neuro-oncology practice.

Methods: A baseline audit was conducted to determine the degree of implementation of the ERP into practice. The Normalization MeAsure Development (NoMAD) questionnaire was circulated among 6 groups of stakeholders (neurosurgeons, anesthetists, intensivists, recovery nurses, preoperative assessment nurses, and neurosurgery ward staff) to examine barriers to implementation. Based on these findings, a theory-guided implementation intervention was delivered. A repeat audit and NoMAD questionnaire were conducted to assess the impact of the intervention on the uptake of the ERP.

Results: The baseline audit (n = 24) demonstrated limited delivery of the ERP elements. The NoMAD questionnaire (n = 32) identified 4 subconstructs of the NPT as barriers to implementation: communal specification, contextual integration, skill set workability, and relational integration. These guided an implementation intervention that included the following: 1) teamwork-focused training; 2) ERP promotion; and 3) procedure simplification. The reaudit (n = 21) demonstrated significant increases in the delivery of 5 protocol elements: scalp block (12.5% of patients before intervention vs 76.2% of patients after intervention, p < 0.00001), recommended analgesia (25.0% vs 100.0%, p < 0.00001) and antiemetics (12.5% vs 100.0%, p < 0.00001), trial without catheter (13.6% vs 88.9%, p < 0.00001), and mobilization on the 1st postoperative day (45.5% vs 94.4%, p < 0.00001). There was a significant reduction in the mean hospital length of stay from 6.3 ± 3.4 to 4.2 ± 1.7 days (p = 0.022). Two months after implementation, a repeat NoMAD survey demonstrated significant improvement in communal specification.

Conclusions: Here, the authors have demonstrated the successful implementation of a cranial surgery ERP by using a systematic theory-based approach.

Keywords: cranial surgery; enhanced recovery; implementation; surgical neuro-oncology.