Patient-Reported Outcome and Experience Measures (PROM/PREM) in Patients Undergoing Liver Surgery with Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS): An Exploratory Study.

BACKGROUND

ERAS (Enhanced Recovery after Surgery) is an evidence-based multidisciplinary approach focusing on optimizing outcomes after surgery through structured clinical pathways. This study aimed to assess patient-reported outcome and experience measures (PROM/PREM), which are not routinely assessed after liver surgery within an ERAS protocol.

METHODS

Routine outcome parameters were extracted from clinical documentation. Using qualitative content analysis, PROM and PREM were retrospectively identified in 13 case records. In a prospective survey of 10 participants, PROM was assessed at three timepoints using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. PREM were collected at discharge.

RESULTS

The following PROM categories occurred in the retrospective content analysis: (84.6%), (76.9%), (69.2%), (69.2%), and (61.5%). The categories of (92.0%) and , , (69.0%) emerged as PREM. Descriptive changes in health state were shown for all EQ-5D-5L dimensions and timepoints. At discharge, , , , and tended to be worse, whereas decreased gradually from preoperatively to the 4 week follow-up. There was high satisfaction with interprofessional care services and experienced cooperation between professionals.

CONCLUSIONS

PROM and PREM are helpful to incorporate patients' perspectives after liver surgery within an ERAS pathway and should be collected routinely in clinical practice.