eras
Dr Fiona Carter BSc PhD, Manager of ERAS-UK
Expanding the scope and exploring the journey of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery
Mrs Imogen Fecher-Jones BSc MSc2, ERAS facilitator
Conference report: 4th Enhanced Recovery after Surgery UK at the Hub, City College, Southampton on 14th November 2014.
Mrs Pat Darty2, Conference co-ordinator
The Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Society (UK) was set up in 2010 with the aim of improving patient recovery after surgery by promoting knowledge, understanding and research regarding optimal outcomes. Each year, ERAS UK holds a national conference to highlight and share best practice and emerging techniques. This meeting provided a valuable opportunity for ERAS teams to network and discuss common challenges. This year, our conference was co-hosted by a multi-disciplinary team from University Hospitals Southampton, led by Professor Michael Grocott. Held at the Hub, City College, Southampton, this event welcomed almost 200 participants from across the UK and beyond. The organising group had agreed on five main themes for the 2014 meeting: 1 Exploring transitions of care 2 Non-elective or non-surgical care 3 The impact of new technology or new techniques on ERAS 4 Measurement of ERAS outcomes 5 Tackling the challenges of sustainability
Professor Michael Grocott BSc MBBS MD FRCA FRCP FFICM2, Conference chairman Nader K Francis MBBS PhD FRCS (Gen Surg)1, ERAS-UK Chairman
Affiliations Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Society (UK)
1
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
2
In addition to invited speakers, there were also 27 abstracts accepted for presentation, with seven of these given as oral presentations. In line with previous events, ERAS UK awarded prizes for the top three posters and oral presentations. Exploring transitions of care
There is increasing awareness that much more work needs to be done to improve both the prehabilitation process and the
longer recovery period after discharge. Dr Charles Alessi (Chairman of the National Association of Primary Care) set the scene for the day by describing the challenges of managing patients with multi-morbidity and the need to develop personalised care. Developing metrics that can reflect the activity across different sectors of healthcare will become increasingly important Developments in prehabilitation were highlighted by Mr Babu Naidu (Clinical Scientist, University of Birmingham) where rehabilitation pathways for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients have been adapted for the pre-operative period for lung cancer surgical patients. This involves pulmonary exercise classes, smoking cessation, patient education and assessment of nutrition, with dietary input if necessary. A patient story that highlights this approach is available online at http:// Vimeo.com/61707728. A reduction in pulmonary complications from 16 percent to nine percent, together with a reduction in readmission from 12 percent to four percent has been achieved through this approach. Dr Rachael Barlow, a Clinical Academic from Cardiff University, discussed the role of ERAS UK in research in the future and the formation of a research development group. A recent NIHR funded study highlighted the need for more multicentre randomised controlled trials and a greater focus on the evidence for cost-effectiveness for ERAS. The lengthy delays in essential treatment for cancer patients after discharge were highlighted by Mr Nader Francis (Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, Yeovil Dis-
NHDmag.com December 2014 / January 2015 - Issue 100
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