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IntroductionAdequate peri-operative care is essential to ensuring a satisfactory outcome in cardiac surgery. In this study, we look at the impact of evidence-based protocols implemented at Stanford Hospital.MethodsThis study is a single-center, retrospective analysis. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols were implemented for CABG/Valve and open Aortic operations on 11/1/2017 and 6/1/2018, respectively. Propensity-score matched analysis was used to compare 30-day mortality and morbidity of patients from the pre- and post-implementation cohorts. Secondary endpoints included the following: total hospital length of stay (LOS), ICU LOS, time until extubation, and time until urinary catheter removal.ResultsAfter the implementation of the ERAS protocols for CABG/Valve operations, the median post-op LOS decreased from 7.0 days to 6.1 days (pConclusionAt Stanford Hospital, ERAS pathways have led to decreased morbidity and LOS while simultaneously improving mortality amongst our critically ill patient population.

Purpose/objectives: This review evaluates the published studies on how postacute care collaboration ensures a continuum of care and reduces heart failure (HF) readmissions., Primary Practice Setting: An integrated literature review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 Statement. PubMed and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health were searched for the keywords heart failure AND (post-acute care OR transitional care OR skilled nursing facility OR rehabilitation facility OR home health agency) AND (readmission) AND (care coordination OR collaboration OR interprofessional OR partnerships). Seventy-nine studies were returned, and a reverse reference search yielded four studies. Of those studies, 14 were selected for critical appraisal of evidence. The practice settings of these studies were hospitals, homes, home health agencies, and skilled nursing facilities., Findings/conclusions: Multidisciplinary management of HF patients, high-impact transitional care interventions, and integration with postacute care facilities decreased HF 30-day readmissions. Collaborative models involving a skilled HF team, primary care physicians, and postacute care partners, and targeting postdischarge follow-ups positively impacted outcomes. Bundling interventions, such as home visits, follow-ups (telephone and/or clinic follow-up), and telecare, significantly impacted outcomes compared with their delivery in isolation., Implications for Case Management Practice: Case management leaders are vital decision-makers and key stakeholders in building the collaboration with community partners. As case management roles extend to outpatient and ambulatory care, better opportunities emerge to coordinate services across settings. Key takeaways for the case management practice is to build a robust case management program spanning postacute care facilities, evidence-based treatment protocols, and infrastructure that supports seamless information sharing between sites., Competing Interests: The author reports no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)