Dorthe Hjort Jakobsen has been working with developing and implementing ERAS program since 1997 together with Professor Henrik Kehlet. Her particular focus has been on broaden knowledge of fast-track/ERAS principles and supporting to standardize and improve the quality of the surgical care in Denmark by establishing Unit of Perioperative Nusing (2004-2012). The purpose of the unit was to work with coordination, teaching and knowledge sharing through an innovative multidisciplinary national network. This resulted in the development of 17 ERAS programs for the major surgical areas, which were available on a website.
Since 2012 she has been Clinical Nurse Manager at the ERAS Unit at Copenhagen University Hospital, where the purpose is to improve the perioperative quality of care for all surgical procedures by ensuring updated ERAS procedure-specific, evidence-based programs.
Her research interests have focused on implementation, convalescence following ERAS program and the impact on nursing care.
Internationally she has been invited speaker at several congresses, and she has taken the initiative to establishing an international ERAS® nursing group (a part of the ERAS® Society).