Barriers to implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) by a multidisciplinary team in China: a multicentre qualitative study

OBJECTIVE: To explore the attitudes and barriers encountered in the implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in China from the perspective of multidisciplinary team members. DESIGN: Based on Donabedian’s structure–process–outcome (SPO) model, a multicentre qualitative study using semistructured interviews was conducted. SETTING: From September 2020 to December 2020, the participants of this study were interviewed from six tertiary hospitals in Sichuan province (n=3), Jiangsu province (n=2) and Guangxi province (n=1) in China. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 42 members, including surgeons (n=11), anaesthesiologists (n=10), surgical nurses (n=14) and dietitians(n=7) were interviewed. RESULTS: Multidisciplinary team (MDT) members still face many barriers during the process of implementing ERAS. Eight main themes are described around the barriers in the implementation of ERAS. Themes in the structure dimension are: (1) shortage of medical resources, (2) lack of policy support and (3) outdated concepts. Themes in the process dimension are: (1) poor doctor–patient collaboration, (2) poor communication and collaboration among MDT members and (3) lack of individualised management. Themes in the outcome dimension are: (1) low compliance and (2) high medical costs. The current implementation of ERAS is still based on ideas more than reality. CONCLUSIONS: In general, barriers to ERAS implementation are broad. Identifying key elements of problems in the application and promotion of ERAS from the perspective of the MDT would provide a starting point for future quality improvement of ERAS, enhance the clinical effect of ERAS and increase formalised ERAS utilisation in China.