Authors: Bourazani M et al.
Cureus, Volume 18, Issue 1, Article e101821, January 2026. DOI: 10.7759/cureus.101821.
Summary
This narrative review examined the impact of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols on quality of care and patient safety in peri-anaesthesia nursing, with a particular focus on the Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and the immediate postoperative period. The authors reviewed 24 peer-reviewed publications published between 2019 and 2025, including original studies, clinical guidelines, and review articles addressing ERAS implementation across multiple surgical specialties.
The review found consistent evidence that ERAS protocols improve perioperative quality and patient safety outcomes. Reported benefits included enhanced postoperative recovery, improved pain and symptom control, reduced complication rates, earlier mobilisation, shorter length of stay, and greater consistency in clinical practice during peri-anaesthesia care. ERAS pathways were shown to reduce variability in care delivery by standardising evidence-based practices across the perioperative continuum.
A central theme across the literature was the pivotal role of peri-anaesthesia nurses in successful ERAS implementation. During PACU care and early postoperative recovery, nurses are key contributors to symptom monitoring, early detection of complications, patient education, mobilisation support, and adherence to protocol elements. Their continuous presence at the bedside positions them as essential drivers of patient safety, quality assurance, and recovery optimisation.
The review also identified common challenges to ERAS adoption, including organisational barriers, limited training, resistance to change, and resource constraints. Effective multidisciplinary collaboration, leadership support, structured education, and a strong safety culture were consistently highlighted as prerequisites for sustainable ERAS implementation. Although the review was narrative in nature and included heterogeneous study designs, the consistency of findings across different settings supports the conclusion that ERAS protocols are a valuable framework for improving quality and patient safety in peri-anaesthesia nursing practice.
What You Should Know
ERAS protocols are consistently associated with improved recovery, reduced complications, and enhanced patient safety during the peri-anaesthesia phase.
Standardised ERAS pathways reduce unwarranted variability and improve consistency of care in the PACU and immediate postoperative period.
Peri-anaesthesia nurses play a central role in ERAS success through monitoring, patient education, early mobilisation, and protocol adherence.
Organisational support, multidisciplinary collaboration, and nursing-focused education are critical for sustainable ERAS implementation.
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