87 - Enhanced Recovery After Surgery In A Veteran Population
Vada Campbell
Charles George VA Medical Center, Asheville, NC, USA
Methods ERAS Protocols were implemented with a multidisciplinary team. The protocols included multi-modal pain management techniques, blocks, pre-op optimization and whole health coaching, minimal fasting, pre-op extensive education with education booklet, avoidance of tubes and drains, cryotherapy, early PT and mobilization, and integrative therapies. Data collected over the course of one year for post op ERAS patients who had total knee arthroplasty was compared to the prior year's data. Results There was a 72% decrease in opioids used by the Veterans in the ERAS group. Incidentally there was a decrease of 87% in anti-emetics used. Length of stay decreased by 1.43 days which computed to an annual savings of $1,458,000 for one facility. Overall opioids were reduced by 21% in the facility. ERAS protocols were then put in place for all orthopedic procedures, as well as general surgery. Conclusions ERAS protocols can save significant revenues, as well as decrease opioid use, length of stay and complications. Overall decreases in opioid prescribing after discharge were documented as well which contributed to NO post op overdoses after ERAS protocols were put into place.
