Patients want and need to be drivers of their own healthcare – not just passive passengers along for the ride. That’s why Northern Arizona Healthcare is gearing up to adopt the ERAS (Enhanced Recovery after Surgery) program, first at Flagstaff Medical Center, then at Verde Valley Medical Center.
With ERAS, patients are empowered with the knowledge and education to take care of themselves before and after surgery in order to enjoy the best outcomes – faster recovery and healing; a lower rate of complications; fewer opioids; and a realistic understanding of pain. In the end, this kind of care often means as well as an earlier release from the hospital, as well as just plain feeling better.
ERAS encompasses the entire surgical experience from pre-admission to discharge from a patient-centered, evidence-based point of view. It has proven effective in many other healthcare systems, including Kaiser Permanente Northern California.
“This program is truly multi-disciplinary and will showcase our hospital’s skillful efforts to orchestrate best practice care for our surgical patients,” said Barbara Hill, Quality Department clinical nurse specialist. “From start to finish, everyone will be aligned to help guide patients through their care for the best post-op outcomes.”
The program officially begins on Tuesday, Aug. 18, with a focus on colorectal health, specifically the return of circulation in and function of the gut after surgery – a point of difficulty for many patients.
For more information about how we are making ERAS part of the patient experience, please email [email protected].