The impact of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programme on community nursing

Early discharge from hospital as a result of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programmes can be both positive and frightening experiences for surgical patients. In a recently published article by the authors in the British Journal of Nursing, participants described mixed reactions to the ERAS programme, highlighting the period of home convalescence as being particularly challenging. In this article the concept of ERAS is explained, followed by an overview of the research study which led to the authors highlighting the issue of home convalescence. The interventions that have already been established locally as a result of this research are explored, as is the potential impact that both these short hospital stays and further necessary interventions might have on community nursing. The article examines whether health professionals are sufficiently easing the pressures of self-recoveryto fill the apparent'void' that the study participants described as existing between hospital care and community follow-up.