Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany.
PLoS One. 2024 May 10;19(5):e0303399. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303399. eCollection 2024.
Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols aim to optimize the recovery process for patients after surgical interventions and focus on patient-centered care. In cardiac surgery, the ERAS concept is still in its early stages. Our university hospital has implemented an innovative ERAS protocol for minimally invasive heart valve surgery since 2021. Therefore, our study aimed to comprehensively assess the patient experience within this newly established ERAS protocol and focused on exploring and understanding the nuances of optimal healthcare delivery under the ERAS framework from the unique perspective of the patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Qualitative research was conducted using semi-structured interviews. Data was analyzed using Kuckartz´s qualitative content analysis.
The following main themes emerged from the 12 completed patient interviews: 1) information and communication flow, 2) perioperative patient care, and 3) rehabilitation. Patients found the pre-operative patient education and preconditioning very helpful. Patients were satisfied with the flow of information throughout the whole perioperative care process. Most patients expressed a need for more information about the course of surgery. The intensity of care provided by different professions was perceived as optimal. The support and inclusion of relatives in perioperative care were considered crucial. Patients appreciated the direct transfer to the rehabilitation and mainly were able to cope with daily life tasks afterward.
In summary, all patients experienced the ERAS protocol positively, and their healthcare process was well established. Active inclusion and education of patients in their treatment can improve patient empowerment. Two further aspects that deserve major consideration in the healthcare process are the inclusion of relatives and interprofessional cooperation.
手术后加速康复（ERAS）方案旨在优化外科干预后患者的康复过程，并注重以患者为中心的护理。在心脏外科手术中，ERAS 概念仍处于早期阶段。自 2021 年以来，我们的大学医院已为微创心脏瓣膜手术实施了一项创新的 ERAS 方案。因此，我们的研究旨在全面评估该新建立的 ERAS 方案中患者的体验，并侧重于从心脏外科手术患者的独特视角探索和理解在 ERAS 框架下提供最佳医疗保健的细微差别。
采用半结构式访谈进行定性研究。使用 Kuckartz 定性内容分析法对数据进行分析。
从 12 名完成的患者访谈中得出以下主要主题：1）信息和沟通流程，2）围手术期患者护理，3）康复。患者发现术前患者教育和预处理非常有帮助。患者对整个围手术期护理过程中的信息流感到满意。大多数患者表示需要更多有关手术过程的信息。不同专业人员提供的护理强度被认为是最佳的。支持和包括亲属参与围手术期护理被认为是至关重要的。患者赞赏直接转至康复治疗，并且术后主要能够应对日常生活任务。
总的来说，所有患者都对 ERAS 方案有积极的体验，并且他们的医疗过程得到了很好的建立。积极地让患者参与治疗并对其进行教育可以增强患者的自主权。在医疗过程中，还有两个值得重点考虑的方面是亲属的参与和跨专业合作。
