The Future of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery in Orthopaedics and the Role of Physiotherapy

Description

In this presentation, Tom Wainwright, a physiotherapist and Associate Professor in Orthopaedics, discusses the future of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) in orthopaedics, particularly focusing on hip and knee replacements and the role of physiotherapy. Starting with an introduction, he thanks the organizing committee for the invitation and outlines the structure of the talk. Wainwright provides background on ERAS, describing it as a multimodal, evidence-based approach aimed at minimizing surgical stress and accelerating recovery through optimally managed perioperative care. He presents findings from research regarding patient information, the effectiveness of preoperative education, and rehabilitation strategies, highlighting that many current patient information booklets inadequately prepare patients for surgery and recovery expectations. A significant focus is on the importance of clear communication and effective self-managed rehabilitation, as well as the need for specific exercise prescriptions that are updated to reflect current practices. Wainwright emphasizes that while improvements have been made in patient outcomes, there remains a need for continued efforts to enhance rehabilitation practices and align education strategies across facilities. He concludes by encouraging collaboration and further inquiries into optimizing recovery processes for surgical patients.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-210399

Specialties

Conferences