Despite widespread interest in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®), one major challenge continues to limit its full potential: partial implementation.
In many hospitals, clinical teams selectively apply parts of the ERAS® pathway — often unintentionally — while skipping others. Sometimes this happens due to local habits, internal biases, or resource limitations. But the reality is clear:
ERAS® is not a menu — it’s an integrated, evidence-based pathway.
And the data is equally clear: when only parts of the ERAS® protocol are applied, its benefits are compromised. Worse still, outcomes can deteriorate, clinical variation creeps back in, and hospitals risk falling back into outdated, fragmented practices.
Three Major Risks of Partial ERAS® Implementation
- Outcomes may not improve
When results fall short, it can lead to the dangerous (and false) perception that “ERAS® doesn’t add value.” - Variation returns
Standardization is at the heart of ERAS®. Without it, perioperative practices become inconsistent again — undermining efficiency, safety, and quality. - Without robust auditing, regression happens
Even high-performing programs can slide backward without structured tracking and feedback loops. Continuous audit and benchmarking are essential to sustain results.
What ERAS® Needs to Succeed
Full implementation, supported by ongoing audit and structured learning, is key. This enables hospitals to:
- Deliver measurable improvements in patient outcomes.
- Reduce complications and shorten hospital stays.
- Lower costs while maintaining high standards of care.
Once that foundation is in place, the next step is not to scale back — but to prioritize based on data.
At Encare, we support hospitals in moving from fragmented efforts to fully integrated, data-driven ERAS® programs. Whether you’re just starting or looking to go further, we’re here to help you deliver sustainable, evidence-based improvements in surgical care.
Interested in learning more about how to achieve full ERAS® implementation — and what comes next?
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