Experiences of Health Professionals in the Implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocols at the University of Ghana Medical Centre

Abstract

The implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in a hospital aims to decrease postoperative problems, shorten hospital stays, and improve patient outcomes. They have become a cornerstone of contemporary perioperative care. The successful implementation of these guidelines, which integrate evidence-based procedures throughout the surgical continuum, largely depends on the experiences and adherence of healthcare personnel. Although ERAS is highly beneficial in several healthcare settings across the globe, little is known about how it can be used in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study investigated healthcare professionals' experiences at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) with implementing Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols. By understanding these experiences, the study aims to identify and address gaps in the implementation of ERAS, ultimately enhancing patient care in a low-resource setting. The study adopted a descriptive exploratory design to examine the health professionals' experiences of ERAS protocols at the University of Ghana Medical Centre in Accra, Ghana. Twenty health professionals were purposively recruited and interviewed using in depth individual interviews. The reflexive thematic analysis method was used to analyse the data. The study explored health professionals' experiences with implementing Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols at the University of Ghana Medical Centre. Results revealed significant insights into participants' awareness, beliefs, barriers, and strategies for improving ERAS implementation . However, challenges like communication, patient resistance, and institutional issues hinder their implementation. Despite these, health professionals identified strategies to enhance implementation, including professional development, protocol development, improved resourcing, and teamwork. The findings emphasize the significance of addressing challenges to enhance ERAS adherence and surgical outcomes, suggesting that tailored interventions can significantly enhance ERAS implementation in resource-limited settings. The study emphasizes the importance of enhancing healthcare professionals' implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols. It recommends strengthening education, fostering collaboration, addressing barriers, promoting flexibility, leveraging patient feedback, developing clear guidelines, addressing workload and burnout, and fostering a positive organizational culture. It also suggests investing in resources, promoting empathy, and addressing workload and burnout