IMPROVING PEDIATRIC SPINAL SURGERY OUTCOMES BY UTILIZING MODIFIED ERAS PROTOCOL

Abstract

AbstractProblem Statement Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs have been shown to have a positive impact on pediatric surgical outcomes. The ERAS programs have been widely implemented in adult and pediatric surgeries across the globe with great success, and many studies have shown that ERAS improves surgical outcomes by shortening length of stay, enhancing recovery, and increasing patient satisfaction. Despite this, ERAS programs for pediatric surgeries have not been implemented at the Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children (KMCWC), which is the tertiary care center for pediatrics in the State of Hawaiʻi. Purpose The aim of this evidence-based practice (EBP) project is to evaluate the current order set that is being used and implement new components to establish an official pediatric ERAS pathway for spinal surgery at KMCWC. Methods The project will be conducted at KMCWC from November 2021 to May 2022. A modified ERAS pathway will be implemented in pediatric patients undergoing spinal surgeries. Results This intervention resulted in the initiation of an ERAS program at KMCWC that was approved for use by pediatric surgery care providers. Discussion Data collection was not possible at this time due to project timeline constraints and delays associated with the impact of COVID-19 on hospital operations. However, we expect that over the course of time the successful implementation of this program will result in improved pediatric surgical outcomes.