Evaluating Implementation Costs of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocol in Colorectal Surgery: A...

Area of Science:

• Surgical Outcomes
• Health Economics
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols are proven to improve patient outcomes and reduce hospital costs.
• However, the initial financial investment for ERAS implementation remains poorly described.
• This information is critical for institutions with limited financial resources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comprehensive literature review on the costs associated with implementing colorectal surgery ERAS protocols.
• To identify key cost drivers and provide a standardized overview for healthcare institutions.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of five databases (Google Scholar, Web of Science, PROSPERO, PubMed, Cochrane) was performed.
• English articles published between 1995 and June 2021 were screened.
• Cost data were standardized to US dollars.

Main Results:

• Seven studies involving 50-1295 patients were included.
• ERAS implementation costs varied from $57 to $1536 per patient.
• Personnel costs represented the largest component of implementation expenses across studies.

Conclusions:

• Personnel expenses are the primary driver of ERAS implementation costs.
• A need exists for standardized reporting of ERAS implementation costs and potential protocol streamlining.
• This would facilitate ERAS adoption in institutions with fewer financial resources.