Perceptions and experiences of healthcare professionals in implementing an ERAS protocol for minimally invasive heart valve surgery: a qualitative analysis

Introduction: ERAS protocols have revolutionized perioperative care by optimizing patient outcomes after major surgeries. Despite widespread recognition in various surgical specialties, the implementation of ERAS in cardiac surgery remains relatively novel. Methods: This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews to explore the perspectives and experiences of healthcare professionals involved in ERAS implementation, focusing on identifying facilitators and barriers. The data collected from the interviews was subjected to qualitative content analysis to identify emerging themes and patterns. Results: The emerged themes highlight the importance of effective communication, interprofessional collaboration, and clear guidelines in facilitating ERAS implementation. While healthcare professionals universally recognized the benefits of ERAS for patient outcomes, they also identified challenges such as time constraints and resource allocation. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the need for effective communication, interprofessional collaboration, and clear guidelines to overcome the challenges of implementing ERAS. The importance of involving diverse healthcare professionals in ERAS development and implementation to enhance team spirit, motivation, and overall success is highlighted by our findings. These findings contribute to the ongoing refinement of ERAS protocols, ultimately improving patient outcomes in cardiac surgery and beyond. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies, collaboration across institutions, and exploration of implementation strategies.