Extending Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Protocols to the Post-Discharge Setting: A Phone Call Intervention to Support Patients after Expedited Discharge after Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Am Surg. 2020 Jan 1;86(1):42-48.

Abstract

The goal of this pilot study was to track patient outcomes after an expedited discharge after enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway for pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). A quantitative content analysis approach was used. All PD patients in a single academic medical center between February 2017 and June 2018 were called twice by specialized physician extenders after discharge. A semi-structured interview approach was used to identify patient's symptoms or concerns, proactively educate them, and provide outpatient management when indicated. A detailed narrative of the conversation was documented. Ninety patients (mean age 66.3; 58.1% males) were included in the study. Of all, 88.9 per cent of the patients received follow-up phone calls in accordance with our PD ERAS protocol. Among the 80 patients called, 71 (88.8%) reported at least one symptom, issue, or self-care need. The most common issues involved bowel movements and nutrition. A total of 147 interventions were performed to address patient needs including medication management, local care coordination, and outpatient referral to a healthcare provider. The intervention led to the identification of 15 patients for earlier evaluation. This identification was associated with the total number of reported symptoms (X² = 15.6, P = 0.004). Most patients require additional care after discharge after traditional ERAS pathways. ERAS transitional care protocols uncovered an unmet need for additional patient support after PD.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Clinical Protocols
  • Enhanced Recovery After Surgery / standards*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Length of Stay
  • Male
  • Pancreaticoduodenectomy*
  • Patient Discharge*
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Pilot Projects
  • Postoperative Complications / prevention & control
  • Telephone*