Addition of a scripted pre-operative patient education module to an existing ERAS pathway further reduces length of stay

Abstract Background While enhanced recovery pathways (ERAS) appear to be beneficial for post-operative outcomes, there have been no studies evaluating the specific role of patient education within an ERAS pathway. Methods We identified all colectomies performed at our institution since initiation of an ERAS protocol, excluding for mortality and length of stay >30 days. Patients who received preoperative education by a nurse practitioner via a scripted telephone call were compared to patients who did not receive education using the NSQIP database. We then evaluated differences in surgical complications and length of stay among these cohorts. Results Patients who received scripted education phone calls had a significantly shorter mean length of stay when compared to patients that receiving usual care (3.0 ± 2.2 vs 3.7 ± 3.2 days; p = 0.005). Subgroup analysis demonstrates strongest benefit in patients undergoing left colectomy and laparoscopic surgery. Conclusions Scripted patient education modules may shorten length of stays and postoperative complications, even when added to an already existing ERAS bundle, which may translate into significant hospital cost savings.