The inclusion of preoperative education in Eras spinal surgery pathways: A systematic review.

Abstract

Objectives: Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) principles are starting to be adopted in major spinal procedures, and the high volume of surgeries, and wide variations in length of stay and complications rates suggest that improvements are both desirable and possible. Psychosocial factors related to different degrees of clinical impairment and quality of life in the preoperative period may influence outcomes, and patients have expressed a need for individualised information given in sufficient quantities and at the appropriate time to help attenuate preoperative anxiety. Preoperative education is a core component of ERAS that aims to empower patients to undertake positive health actions and support autonomous decision making. This review aims to summarise the current evidence for inclusion of a preoperative education session into ERAS spinal surgery pathways.