Mayo Clinic in Arizona named Center of Excellence for Enhanced Recovery After Surgery

Arizona

Mayo Clinic in Arizona named Center of Excellence for Enhanced Recovery After Surgery

By
Jay Furst

November 18, 2019

PHOENIX — Mayo Clinic in Arizona has been recognized as a Center of Excellence for Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS), the second medical center in the U.S. to earn that distinction.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery aims to improve care of surgery patients and enhance postoperative recovery through implementation of evidence-based practice, audit, education and research. Protocols that have been developed emphasize a culture of inclusivity and recognition of the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration.

Since implementing ERAS protocols, Mayo Clinic in Arizona has reported decreased lengths of hospital stays, and fewer complications and readmissions, while achieving significant cost savings. Among other achievements, the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery has reported a 70% reduction in narcotic use postoperatively over the past three years.

Mayo Clinic in Arizona was recognized formally during the third annual Congress of ERAS USA in New Orleans last week. The international program is administered by ERAS Society, and ERAS USA is responsible for identifying Centers of Excellence in the U.S., as well as coordinating the training of institutions interested in becoming ERAS centers.

"This achievement is the product of a dedicated team of professionals who are committed to improving outcomes and reducing length of stay in our patients," says Tonia Young-Fadok, M.D., a colon and rectal surgeon and researcher at Mayo Clinic's Phoenix campus. "In the midst of the current opioid epidemic, the reduction in the use of prescription opioids is a major accomplishment."

Mayo Clinic in Arizona is implementing protocols in several surgical specialties in addition to Colon and Rectal Surgery. The Mayo Clinic departments of Anesthesia and Nursing are critical participants in the program, says Dr. Young-Fadok, who has led the effort to implement ERAS since it was initiated six years ago.

As a Center of Excellence, Mayo Clinic in Arizona can now help other health care organizations implement ERAS programs.

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