JBI database of systematic reviews and implementation reports
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JBI Database System Rev Implement Rep · Jan 2020
Enhanced perioperative nutritional care for patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery at Calvary North Adelaide Hospital: a best practice implementation project.
The aim of this project was to evaluate the current practice and implement best practice related to Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) nutrition care protocols amongst elective colorectal surgery patients at Calvary North Adelaide Hospital. A second aim was to improve outcomes regarding length of hospital stay and rate of unplanned readmissions within 28-days in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. ⋯ Changes in patient outcomes could not be attributed to the implementation of ERAS nutrition care protocols, given the mixed compliance with audit criteria in the post-implementation audit. This project has, however, raised awareness of the importance of having operational definitions for audit criteria, systems to ensure adherence to protocols, and audits of calendar year data for reliability and validity of results. It has also increased knowledge of ERAS nutrition care protocols amongst those involved in the care of patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery and strengthened relationships within the multidisciplinary team. This project represents the first step toward the development of an effective ERAS nutrition care program for patients underoing elective colorectal surgery at Calvary North Adelaide Hospital and informs future audits and feedback cycles.