Population-based evaluation of implementation of an enhanced recovery protocol in Michigan.

Aiming to accelerate postoperative recovery and hospital discharge, many institutions have worked to establish enhanced recovery protocols (ERPs) for intestinal surgery and, increasingly, other specialties as well. These multidisciplinary, multimodal pathways of perioperative care aim to decrease postoperative pain, hasten recovery of intestinal function, and decrease postoperative morbidity. 1 Lee L. Feldman L.S. Improving surgical value and culture through enhanced recovery programs. JAMA Surg. 2017; 38: 1531-1541 Google Scholar As evidence for their effectiveness continues to emerge, there is increasing pressure to disseminate ERPs more widely. For example, national associations in the United Kingdom have signed a consensus statement that “enhanced recovery should be considered as standard practice for most patients undergoing major surgery across a range of procedures and specialties,” and the National Health Service has endorsed Enhanced Recovery After Surgery throughout its institutions.