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vol. 14
 
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General surgery
Original paper

Patients’ opinions on enhanced recovery after surgery perioperative care principles: a questionnaire study

Anna Zychowicz
,
Magdalena Pisarska
,
Anna Łaskawska
,
Monika Czyż
,
Jan Witowski
,
Michał Kisielewski
,
Jan Kulawik
,
Andrzej Budzyński
,
Michał Pędziwiatr

Videosurgery Miniinv 2019; 14 (1): 27–37
Online publish date: 2018/07/24
Article file
- patients opinions.pdf  [0.18 MB]
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Introduction

There is growing evidence that the introduction of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols into daily clinical practice may have a positive impact on postoperative outcomes in abdominal surgery. Encouraging results from colorectal surgery resulted in the introduction of ERAS to other surgical disciplines. Briefly, ERAS is a structured perioperative protocol that includes pre-, intra- and postoperative interventions that when combined are thought to significantly reduce surgical trauma, thus leading to faster postoperative recovery [1]. Thanks to ERAS it is possible to reduce overall morbidity, shorten length of hospital stay (LOS) and reduce treatment costs [24]. Although the number of hospitals implementing new perioperative care is rapidly growing, the safety of ERAS implementation is still a matter of dispute. It is particularly pronounced in Poland, as shown by Kisielewski et al. [5]. Although there is strong evidence supporting ERAS, most of its elements are consistently denied by surgeons, who in most cases believe in unproven dogmas [6]. This results in difficulties in changing perioperative care and poor compliance with the ERAS protocol [7].

Moreover, ERAS implementation requires full understanding not only from the medical staff but also patients involved in the recovery process [8]. Unlike in the traditional clinical pathway, ERAS strongly relies on full patient cooperation and understanding the principles of modern care, rapid mobilization and early discharge [9]. Therefore, it is crucial to get to know patients’ attitudes to modern perioperative care. However, their opinion has never been investigated in our country.

Aim

The aim of the study was to explore patients’ views on ERAS in order to establish what patients’ priorities are in terms of perioperative care.

Material and methods

Patients and questionnaires

The study included all consecutive patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, hepatic and bariatric procedures between October 2014 and March 2016. They were all asked to complete a questionnaire during hospital stay (before surgery and on the day of discharge). Patients who did not give consent to participate or developed major complications (defined as Clavien-Dindo grade III or higher) as well as those who did not answer all questions were excluded from the analysis.

A questionnaire was created according to a modified survey used by Hughes et al. [9]. Initially questions were formulated in English and then translated into Polish. They aimed to quantify the patients’ perception of the importance of individual enhanced recovery items. The original questionnaire was validated by its authors.

The questionnaire is presented in Supplementary material.

The survey was divided into two parts. The first part incorporated the major domains of ERAS principles such as pain control, gut restitution, mobility, overall function and hospital discharge. Patients were asked to complete the survey comprising 22 questions on admission (the day before surgery) and on the day of discharge from hospital (the same 22 questions and 7 additional questions regarding postoperative symptoms). It was followed by a verbal explanation of the study goals and instructions how to fill in the questionnaire. Questions were related to ERAS items and each of them featured an 11-point Likert scale (0–10). Patients were asked to score the importance of each particular ERAS item. The scale used indicator statements of “not important” and “very important” at the relevant extremes of the scale to assist with scoring. On the day of discharge additional questions related to postoperative symptoms were asked.

In addition to the main questionnaire patients were contacted via telephone 2 weeks after discharge and were asked 9 additional questions (the second part of the survey). They contained questions regarding symptoms that persisted after leaving the hospital as well as the general impression of the ERAS protocol, its usefulness and acceptance. There was a separate question whether, in their opinion, the hospital stay was long enough.

All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

Statistical analysis

It was previously calculated that at least 105 patients are needed in order to reach the minimal sample size as described by Rosner [10]. All data were analysed with StatSoft Statistica 13. The results are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD), median and interquartile range (IQR). The study of categorical variables used the χ2 test of independence. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to check for normal distribution of data and Student’s t test was used for normally distributed quantitative data. For non-normally distributed quantitative variables, the Mann-Whitney U test was used. For dependent variables the Friedman test was used. Results were considered statistically significant when the p-value was less than 0.05.

Results

Initially, 140 patients were included in the analysis (preoperative questionnaire). After excluding those with major complications (16 patients) and 4 patients who did not respond to either the discharge questionnaire or telephone call, 120 individuals were analysed. Their demographic characteristics are presented in Table I.

Table I

Demographic characteristics of patients (n = 120)

ParameterValue
N%
Sex:
 Female6251.7
 Male5848.3
Mean age [years]54.0 ±15.7
ASA grade:
 ASA 143.3
 ASA 28369.2
 ASA 33327.5
Comorbidities:
 Any comorbidity9075
 Cardiovascular2117.5
 Hypertension6957.5
 Diabetes3327.5
 Pulmonary1613.3
 Renal32.5
 Liver3529.2
Type of surgery:
 Bariatric5143.5
 Colon/rectum3832.7
 Gastric1613.3
 Pancreatic1310.8
 Liver21.7

Figure 1 shows overall scores for 22 questions that were asked preoperatively and on the day of discharge. In answers to 9 questions the difference was statistically significant. Items such as being free of pain, being free of gastrointestinal symptoms, and being free of a catheter were rated higher preoperatively than on the day of discharge, whereas telephone check-up call, being able to drink and eat early after surgery, avoiding bowel preparation, avoiding preoperative fasting and reducing postoperative intravenous fluids were rated higher on the day of discharge. In the remaining 13 questions, there were no differences in pre- and postoperative score.

Figure 1

Patients ratings of ERAS items importance and goals. Answers to questions marked with asterisk (*) and blue-coloured bars were statistically significant. Questions are listed in order of given score, descending

/f/fulltexts/WIITM/33360/WIITM-14-33360-g001_min.jpg

When analysing postoperative symptoms, we observed that pain was the main issue. However, a majority of patients complained of fatigue, eating and drinking problems as well as gastrointestinal tract symptoms (bloating, constipation or diarrhoea). A relatively small proportion of patients had a problem with quick mobilization (Figure 2).

Figure 2

Rating of postoperative symptoms and difficulties in the group of patients on the day of discharge

/f/fulltexts/WIITM/33360/WIITM-14-33360-g002_min.jpg

A telephone questionnaire was conducted 2 weeks after discharge (Figure 3). Pain and fatigue were still present in more than half (57.14% and 56%, respectively) of patients, whereas gastrointestinal symptoms did not subside in one third (34.52%) of them. Moreover, less than 10% required medical assistance after discharge. One in ten patients admitted they were afraid of early discharge. However, more than 95% did not find a longer hospital stay necessary. All patients fully approved and recommended the ERAS protocol as routine perioperative care.

Figure 3

Patients’ response to questions asked via telephone 2 weeks after discharge

/f/fulltexts/WIITM/33360/WIITM-14-33360-g003_min.jpg

Discussion

This study is the first to show patients’ full acceptance of changes in the perioperative care thanks to the ERAS protocol in our country. We have found that their expectations are coherent with the ERAS philosophy. In addition, we have observed that although a large proportion of patients present minor symptoms after discharge, practically all of them did not find the need to stay longer in the hospital.

The principles of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (formerly fast-track surgery) were formulated more than 20 years ago by Professor Kehlet [1]. Subsequently, it has become evident that ERAS may be beneficial in many surgical disciplines and has been widely studied in colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, liver and bariatric surgery [4, 1115]. ERAS is associated with reduced surgical trauma leading to diminished postoperative catabolism, thus accelerating postoperative functional recovery [16]. In addition to shortened LOS, thanks to ERAS a reduced complication rate can be observed. Previous studies have clearly confirmed the safety of modern perioperative care which despite shorter hospital observation is not associated with an increased number of readmissions [2, 4, 17, 18]. Despite existing evidence, the adoption of ERAS remains slow, and therefore deviation from the protocol is often observed [19].

The response rate to all questions and steps of the questionnaire among patients included in the study was 85.7%. This is relatively high taking into consideration telephone calls 2 weeks after discharge and exclusion of those developing complications. The results of the questionnaire clearly show that in general patients found ERAS items to be similar to their expectations. Interestingly, the highest score (> 9.4 points) was observed for full patient counselling and full information on the treatment plan together with preoperative meeting with the surgeon and anaesthetist (rated higher than being free of pain). ERAS guidelines clearly state that detailed information given to patients before the procedure about surgical and anaesthetic procedures (ideally by those involved in the surgical procedure) may diminish fear and anxiety and enhance postoperative recovery and quicken hospital discharge [2024]. Given the results of this questionnaire, one has to bear in mind that full and comprehensive explanation of the treatment plan is of great value not only for the medical staff but for the patients as well.

Patients paid more attention to items directly influencing their postoperative condition and physical feelings: being free of pain, no nausea and vomiting, early mobilization and return to daily activities. All adverse symptoms are strongly related to their postoperative well-being and understanding of appropriate recovery from surgical trauma. Therefore, maximum attention should be paid in order to prevent the occurrence of unpleasant symptoms by prevention of pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting, removal of catheters and drips as well as early ambulation.

We observed that items that were strongly correlated with shortened LOS in previous studies (appropriate fluid management, early postoperative oral feeding, no use of drains and nasogastric tubes and omission of bowel preparation) were scored lowest by our patients [12, 14]. They were not as important for them as they are for clinicians. On one hand, this may be due to patients’ partial understanding of the pathophysiology of surgical trauma. On the other, it has to be noted that this might be the result of the study group characteristics. Nasogastric tubes are not used in any of our patient, we adopted no drain policy for most of our procedures and bowel preparation is used only in selected cases. At first, these items may seem unnecessary for all those who did not experience their presence and unpleasantness. However, the situation changes on the day of discharge. We noticed significant changes in pre- and postoperative scoring of these particular items. Although being free of pain, no nausea and vomiting, no constipation and bloating, and shorter catheterisation were rated lower postoperatively, telephone follow-up after discharge, early enteral feeding, no bowel preparation, no preoperative fasting and intravenous fluid restriction were rated higher after than before surgery. In our opinion, this clearly shows that patients realize the importance of items leading to functional recovery and being independent of medical staff only after being discharged home.

Perhaps even more interesting was the observation of the second part of the study related to persistent postoperative symptoms on the day of discharge. As shown in Figure 2, in a large proportion of patients the functional recovery is not full on the day of discharge. Pain and fatigue seem to be the most problematic, but there are also problems with food and fluid consumption and bowel function in general. This raises the question whether the discharge comes too early. However, analysis of the telephone call 2 weeks after surgery shows that pain and fatigue are still present in almost 50% of cases and bowel function is not recovered in one third of them. It obviously does not mean patients’ hospital stay should be prolonged. As shown in the results, more than 95% of patients expressed their satisfaction with the LOS and 100% approved and recommended the ERAS concept. This important finding, together with the data on the unchanged readmission rate after introduction of ERAS in comparison to traditional care, should clearly confirm that when patients’ discharge criteria are met, patients are ready to go home. As shown by King et al., it usually takes months until the patient fully recovers after laparoscopic colorectal resection [25]. Therefore, they desire post-discharge follow-up and close contact with their treating medical unit also after leaving medical institutions. We think that whereas preoperative counselling is extremely important in calming down patients, the post-discharge follow-up protocol plays a crucial role after going home. Only in such an environment do patients feel safe and are able to accept ERAS principles and early discharge.

Our study has certain limitations. The study sample (although calculated and correctly powered) is still small taking into consideration the heterogeneous study group. Including patients undergoing various types of surgery may introduce bias. However, the aim of ERAS is to provide a similar type of perioperative care regardless of the procedure. Therefore, in our opinion, an analysis of consecutive patients undergoing various types of surgery speaks for the applicability of the study. Most of our patients underwent a laparoscopic procedure which might have affected their answer to particular survey questions. Perhaps those undergoing an open procedure would have different opinions. Due to the small sample size, we were not able to compare patients after open laparotomy with laparoscopic cases as well as groups undergoing different procedures. In addition, we did not evaluate differences in opinions of patients who had been operated on before and those having the first surgery – a previous operation certainly might have influenced their attitudes. And finally, although some of the differences are statistically significant, they may be considered of dubious clinical significance (e.g. 1 point on an 11-point scale). Therefore, our results should be interpreted with caution.

Conclusions

Our study confirmed that Polish patients approve the ERAS protocol as modern perioperative care. Patients emphasize the need for preoperative counselling and fast and painless recovery. Shortening of the length of hospital stay thanks to ERAS was widely appreciated among all patients who did not find it necessary to spend a longer time in the hospital.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References

1 

Kehlet H, Wilmore DW , authors. Evidence-based surgical care and the evolution of fast-track surgery. Ann Surg. 2008. 248:p. 189–98

2 

Greco M, Capretti G, Beretta L, et al. , authors. Enhanced recovery program in colorectal surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. World J Surg. 2013. 38:p. 1531–41

3 

Pędziwiatr M, Wierdak M, Nowakowski M, et al. , authors. Cost minimization analysis of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer within the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol: a single-centre, case-matched study. Videosurgery Miniinv. 2016. 11:p. 14–21

4 

Małczak P, Pisarska M, Major P, et al. , authors. Enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis. Obes Surg. 2017. 27:p. 226–35

5 

Kisielewski M, Rubinkiewicz M, Pędziwiatr M, et al. , authors. Are we ready for the ERAS protocol in colorectal surgery? Videosurgery Miniinv. 2017. 12:p. 7–12

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Maessen J, Dejong CHC, Hausel J, et al. , authors. A protocol is not enough to implement an enhanced recovery programme for colorectal resection. Br J Surg. 2007. 94:p. 224–31

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Grol R, Grimshaw J , authors. From best evidence to best practice: effective implementation of change in patients’ care. Lancet. 2003. 362:p. 1225–30

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Hughes M, Coolsen MME, Aahlin EK, et al. , authors. Attitudes of patients and care providers to enhanced recovery after surgery programs after major abdominal surgery. J Surg Res. 2015. 193:p. 102–10

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Rosner B , author. Fundamentals of biostatistics. 2015. Nelson Education;

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Kehlet H, Wilmore DW , authors. Multimodal strategies to improve surgical outcome. Am J Surg. 2002. 183:p. 630–41

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ERAS Compliance Group , author. The impact of enhanced recovery protocol compliance on elective colorectal cancer resection: results from an international registry. Ann Surg. 2015. 261:p. 1153–9

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Pędziwiatr M, Pisarska M, Kisielewski M, et al. , authors. Is ERAS in laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer changing risk factors for delayed recovery? Med Oncol. 2016. 33:p. 25

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Pędziwiatr M, Matłok M, Kisialeuski M, et al. , authors. Short hospital stays after laparoscopic gastric surgery under an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway: experience at a single center. Eur Surg. 2014. 46:p. 128–32

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Ljungqvist O, Jonathan E , authors. Rhoads lecture 2011: Insulin resistance and enhanced recovery after surgery. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2012. 36:p. 389–98

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Pisarska M, Małczak P, Major P, et al. , authors. Enhanced recovery after surgery protocol in oesophageal cancer surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2017. 12:p. e0174382

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Pędziwiatr M, Pisarska M, Kisielewski M, et al. , authors. ERAS protocol in laparoscopic surgery for colonic versus rectal carcinoma: are there differences in short-term outcomes? Med Oncol. 2016. 33:p. 56

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Supplementary material: Questionnaire used in the study
Questionnaire for patients

Part 1. (Before surgery)
Please indicate how important you feel that each of the following targets is for recovery after the surgery.
1. To be counselled preoperatively by the anaesthetist or surgeon
12345678910
Not importantVery important
2. To avoid fasting before surgery
12345678910
Not importantVery important
3. To be able to drink shortly before the surgery
12345678910
Not importantVery important
4. To avoid bowel cleaning when possible
12345678910
Not importantVery important
5. To be able to reduce the amount of intravenous fluids postoperatively
12345678910
Not importantVery important
6. To avoid sedative drugs before surgery
12345678910
Not importantVery important
7. To be warmed up in the operative room during surgery
12345678910
Not importantVery important
8. To be treated with minimally invasive techniques
12345678910
Not importantVery important
9. To be catheterized as briefly as possible
12345678910
Not importantVery important
10. To avoid the use of a nasogastric tube
12345678910
Not importantVery important
11. To avoid the use of abdominal drains
12345678910
Not importantVery important
12. To be completely free of pain
12345678910
Not importantVery important
13. To get painkillers immediately when needed, on request
12345678910
Not importantVery important
14. To be completely free of nausea and vomiting
12345678910
Not importantVery important
15. To be able to move the bowels as soon as possible (no constipation or flatulence)
12345678910
Not importantVery important
16. To be able to drink and eat as soon as possible after surgery
12345678910
Not importantVery important
17. To be allowed a normal diet at will after the operation
12345678910
Not importantVery important
18. To be able to walk without assistance as soon as possible
12345678910
Not importantVery important
19. To be discharged from the hospital as quickly as possible
12345678910
Not importantVery important
20. To be able to return quickly to everyday activities
12345678910
Not importantVery important
21. To be able to contact the doctor when needed
12345678910
Not importantVery important
22. To be checked up by telephone after hospital discharge
12345678910
Not importantVery important
Part 2. (On discharge)
Please indicate how difficult/important each of the following issues was after the surgery.
23. Abdominal pain, including pain in the wound area
12345678910
Not a problemMajor problem
24. Bowel functions (nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, others)
12345678910
Not a problemMajor problem
25. Eating and drinking
12345678910
Not a problemMajor problem
26. Walking without assistance
12345678910
Not a problemMajor problem
27. Weakness
12345678910
Not a problemMajor problem
How important was it for you:
28. To avoid fasting before surgery
12345678910
Not importantVery important
29. To be able to drink shortly before the surgery
12345678910
Not importantVery important
30. To avoid bowel cleaning
12345678910
Not importantVery important
31. To avoid sedative drugs before surgery
12345678910
Not importantVery important
32. To be warmed up during and after the surgery
12345678910
Not importantVery important
33. To be treated with minimally invasive techniques
12345678910
Not importantVery important
34. To be catheterized as briefly as possible or not at all
12345678910
Not importantVery important
35. To avoid a nasogastric tube
12345678910
Not importantVery important
36. To avoid the use of abdominal drains or to remove them early
12345678910
Not importantVery important
37. To have the amount of intravenous fluids postoperatively reduced
12345678910
Not importantVery important
38. To prevent nausea and vomiting
12345678910
Not importantVery important
39. To prevent bowel problems
12345678910
Not importantVery important
40. To be encouraged to eat and drink shortly after surgery
12345678910
Not importantVery important
41. To be encouraged to walk without assistance shortly after surgery
12345678910
Not importantVery important
42. To be allowed a normal diet soon after surgery
12345678910
Not importantVery important
43. To be able to return quickly to everyday activities
12345678910
Not importantVery important
How would you rate:
44. Being counselled preoperatively by the anaesthetist or surgeon
12345678910
Very badVery good
45. Pain management
12345678910
Very badVery good
46. Being able to receive pain medication on request
12345678910
Very badVery good
47. Being able to walk without assistance shortly after surgery
12345678910
Very badVery good
48. Early discharge
12345678910
Very badVery good
49. Being allowed to recover at home
12345678910
Very badVery good
50. Being able to contact medical staff when needed
12345678910
Very badVery good
51. Being checked up by telephone after hospital discharge
12345678910
Very badVery good
Part 3. (telephone survey, 2 weeks after discharge)
Please answer YES or NO to the following questions.
Since the moment of discharge until today, did you:
52. Feel abdominal pain (including the wound area)?
53. Feel fatigued?
54. Have nausea/vomiting/constipation/diarrhoea?
55. Have problems with eating or drinking?
56. Feel afraid about your health due to early hospital discharge?
57. Feel the need for an extended length of stay in hospital?
58. Seek medical help outside our department as a result of postoperative complications?
59. Were you satisfied with this type of perioperative care?
60. Would you recommend use of a similar perioperative care system to other patients?
Copyright: © 2018 Fundacja Videochirurgii This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/), allowing third parties to copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format and to remix, transform, and build upon the material, provided the original work is properly cited and states its license.
 
  
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