Patient information pathway in orthopedic surgery: Roles of ERAS and pharmacists

Enhanced Rehabilitation After Surgery (ERAS) pathways significantly improve the care of patients in orthopedic surgery. However, patient knowledge and memorization of the information provided are currently poorly documented. The information provided by a postoperative pharmacist could have a positive impact on patient care, in particular by improving knowledge about their prosthesis. This prospective feasibility study included a cohort of 80 patients operated on for a hip or knee prosthesis and who received postoperative pharmacist interviews (POPI). These POPIs informed the patient about the prosthesis, the complications, positions to avoid, as well as the postoperative follow-up. The objective was to measure the patient's knowledge before and after the POPI. Qualitative and quantitative analyses, by indication and patient pathway, were performed. The patient's knowledge before POPI was 70% correct. After POPI this rate rose to 91%. Patients’ knowledge was weak and heterogeneous, especially regarding the implanted prosthesis. The POPI led to significant improvement and standardization of knowledge which should contribute to the prevention of iatrogenic harm (positions to avoid, infection prevention, compliance with analgesics and anticoagulants). A POPI with a pharmacist improves overall patient management during hip or knee arthroplasty. III; non-randomized prospective feasibility study.