Nursing care in enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS): Pathways for patients undergoing spinal surgery

Pain is an expected outcome following spinal surgery. However, increasing evidence indicates that pain is often managed inadequately during the optimisation of patient recovery (Ali, et al, 2018). Following the expected early post-operative pain period, many patients undergoing spinal surgery may experience longer term moderate pain up to six months post-operatively (Prabhakar et al 2022). An exploration of the support required for patients with spine conditions following surgery is presented. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs have been introduced globally as evidenced based protocols to provide effective care for surgical patients and are aimed at achieving early and optimal recovery post-surgery (Debono et al., 2021). The aim of this paper is to discuss nursing roles, what constitutes pre-operative risk factors; post operative complications and outcomes; information required for enhanced recovery and effective medications for spinal surgery. A summary of ERAS Programs and the support that is required for patients post spinal surgery is also provided.