title: Feedback on an enhanced recovery programme for colorectal surgery.
abstract: This article describes a study carried out to examine service users' views on an enhanced recovery programme (ERP) for colorectal surgery patients, in order to improve service provision.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  ERPs combine elements to enhance patients' recovery before, during and after surgery, but patient experiences are unknown.
  
  
  METHODS
  50 patients were invited to attend one of three focus groups in May and June 2009.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ten users attended the focus groups. All were generally very satisfied with the ERP, primarily because they could leave hospital quickly and felt empowered to take charge of their own recovery. Areas of concern included support after discharge, postoperative diet and achieving optimum analgesia following discontinuation of continuous analgesic infusions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This patient sample indicated that the ERP offers clear benefits. Feedback was turned into realistic action plans, concerns were addressed and the service enhanced. Obtaining feedback is vital for improving the quality of care and keeping patients at the centre of health services.
authors.affiliation: Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery , King's College, London.
authors.forename: Claire
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Jennie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Burch
mesh_terms: D001290:Attitude; D003082:Colectomy / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*