With SSC’s goal for perioperative improvements, the implementation of a provincial Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Collaborative is underway. The Collaborative aims to build ERAS capacity throughout BC’s surgical programs with a focus on elective colorectal surgery.
ERAS protocols are multi-modal perioperative care pathways designed to achieve early recovery after surgical procedures by maintaining pre-operative organ function and reducing the profound stress response following surgery.
Currently, there are 10 ERAS Collaborative sites and SSC formed a provincial ERAS Advisory Panel to support the Collaborative’s development. The ERAS Advisory Panel includes representatives in surgery, anesthesiology, and nursing from all regional health authorities, as well as members from the BC Patient Safety and Quality Council and the BC Hip Fracture Initiative.
The work plan of the Collaborative is based on the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Breakthrough Series improvement methodology. There are three Learning Sessions, three Action Periods, and an Outcome Congress.
The first Learning Session happened in Vancouver on November 25, 2014. Learning Sessions are the major integrative events of the Collaborative where site teams have the opportunity to:
• Learn from colleagues and guest speakers
• Gather new knowledge on the subject matter and process improvement
• Share experiences and build collaboration on improvement plans
• Harvest ideas to test during subsequent action periods
• Collectively plan and strategize the spread and sustainability of ERAS beyond colorectal surgery
All 10 ERAS Collaborative site teams were represented. With a full house, great energy, and lively conversations, the session was a great way to launch into the next phase of the Collaborative – the first Action Period. Feedback about the first Learning Session was overwhelmingly positive.
During Action Periods, teams test and implement changes in their local settings and collect data to measure the impact of the changes. Site teams will be supported during the Action Periods with monthly conference calls to share learning and have topic-focused discussions, an ERAS Collaborative website containing various resources and an open forum, email, site visits (if necessary), webinars, and monthly reports. The Collaborative will culminate in an Outcomes Congress.
For more information, please contact: sscbc@doctorsof.bc.ca
