Implementation

ERAS® Implementation Program

ERAS® Implementation Program is an implementation and training program designed for perioperative care teams to implement, reach and maintain a high compliance level to the different ERAS® Protocols available.

Much of the focus is on building well-functioning teams from various units involved in surgical care, introducing highly specific changes to current routines to conform to best practice, and providing the tools to monitor and analyze the effects of those changes, through ERAS® Interactive Audit System (EIAS). The ERAS® Implementation Program is based on teamwork in the perioperative process – nurses, anesthesiologists and surgeons.

ERAS® Implementation – FAQs

1. What are the costs to implement the ERAS® program?
Encare is the appointed enabler of the ERAS® Implementation Program (EIP), please contact Encare at info@encare.net or through their website for pricing details. All fees must be paid at least two weeks prior to the start of the first ERAS® Implementation Program seminar.

2. What are the conditions for becoming an ERAS® team?
Participants to an ERAS® Team includes 5-7 people from the various units involved in perioperative care, including surgery, anesthesiology, intensive care, postoperative care, sponsor and possibly a representative from the quality control department of the institution.

The following is an example of a well-balanced team:
• Surgeon (Team leader)
• Surgical Nurse (usually the ERAS® Coordinator, responsible for registration)
• Anesthesiologist (may be also Team leader)
• Anesthesia/high-dependency nurse
• Sponsor (required) – this is the person who is financially responsible for the department. Could be department head or member of hospital’s executive board. This person orders and supports the process but does not take active part.
• Representative from Hospital’s Quality Department (optional)
• Dietician (optional)

3. How long does the training last?

The training includes 4 seminars spread over a period of about 8-10 months. There is plenty of homework to do between the seminar, like put the 50 pre-ERAS patients as baseline, then start with the first ERAS® patients, etc.
Please contact Encare at info@encare.net or through their website for further details about the ERAS® Implementation Program.

4. Is there a final exam?

Provided the ERAS® team has fulfilled the ERAS® Implementation Program and its criteria, the department and each participating person will receive a certificate as an ERAS® Qualified Unit.

5. Is the certification renewed from year to year?
As long as the ERAS® Qualified Unit continues to adhere to the ERAS® guidelines and show progress using the ERAS® Interactive System, the certificate will be renewed.

Read more here.