Evidence-based perianesthesia care: accelerated postoperative recovery programs.
Prolonged stress response after surgery can cause numerous adverse effects, including gastrointestinal dysfunction, muscle wasting, impaired cognition, and cardiopulmonary, infectious, and thromboembolic complications. These events can delay hospital discharge, extend convalescence, and negatively impact long-term prognosis. Recent advances in perioperative management practices have allowed better control of the stress response and improved outcomes for patients undergoing surgery. At the center of the current focus on improved outcomes are evidence-based fast-track surgical techniques and what is commonly referred to as "accelerated postoperative recovery programs." These programs require a multidisciplinary, coordinated effort, and nurses are essential to their successful implementation.
Pasero
Chris
C
Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, USA. cpasero@aol.com
Belden
Jan
J
D003289:Convalescence; D004434:Early Ambulation; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D020380:Needs Assessment; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D010351:Patient Discharge; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D016528:Postanesthesia Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D013997:Time Factors