UAB Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery Director Daniel Chu, M.D., MSPH, joined UAB MedCast to discuss Enhanced Recovery Programs (ERPs) and how they benefit patients receiving surgery at UAB.

About Enhanced Recovery Programs

Enhanced Recovery Programs (ERPs) are standardized, evidence-based, and comprehensive practices that facilitate better recovery and surgical outcomes for surgical patients.

Chu highlighted that ERPs focus on the standardization of care and adherence to established protocols to ensure that all patients receive the best care practices possible. By completing ERP steps, patients experience fewer negative symptoms and post-surgery complications, such as pain, nausea, vomiting, and are able to return home more quickly.

At UAB, the ERP program has evolved over the last 10-years with the support of key leaders and a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurse leaders, and administrators. Libby Bollier, MSHA, Katie Benos, MSHA, MBA, Brooke Vining, BN, MSN, and Sonia John, M.D. form the core ERP team and lead all current ERP efforts at UAB.

Chu reiterated that patient engagement and recovery should not be passive processes. Instead, he advocates that patients should receive in-depth education before surgery on key steps, like early mobilization after surgery, that can have a big impact in the recovery process.

To listen to the full episode, visit the UAB MedCast website.