Patients' need for nursing telephone follow-up after enhanced recovery

The care of patients undergoing colorectal surgery in UK hospitals is increasingly being guided by an evidence-based care pathway known as Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS). However, it is not known how well patients recover in the period between discharge home from hospital and surgical follow-up in the outpatient clinic. In this article, Jennie Burch and Claire Taylor identify patients' concerns at this time and discuss their support needs following participation in the ERAS programme. Data collected from nurse-led follow-up telephone calls are presented to give insight into the nature of nursing follow-up required. The main concerns identified during the telephone calls were: dietary intake, excessive tiredness and bowel function, which could be problematic for several weeks following discharge. In approximately half of the cases, there was need of nursing support during the first month at home. These findings have led to greater awareness of patients' concerns following hospital discharge from the ERAS programme. Subsequent service improvements have been made to better meet patients' needs.