What is the role and what are the main responsibilities of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) nurse?
The roles of ERAS nurses vary considerably, primarily involving pathway development, audit, education, and patient support, highlighting the need for a definitive role profile.
Background: the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programme is an evidence-based pathway used to improve recovery after surgery. Despite consensus in the ERAS community that an ERAS nurse is necessary to the success of the programme, there is no definitive role profile. Objectives: this study aimed to define the role of the ERAS nurse and establish the main responsibilities. Methods: a literature review was undertaken, and a purpose-designed online survey was sent to all nurse members of ERAS UK. Data analysis: data are displayed as percentages with tables and charts. Results: 33/89 ERAS nurses responded, describing their main roles as pathway development and implementation, data collection/audit, staff education and project management, as well as patient support and education throughout the pathway. Conclusions: roles vary considerably between ERAS nurses, their impact on the ERAS pathway is unclear, and more research is needed.
Burch et al. (Sun,) studied this question.