Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocols and Their Impact on Quality of Care and Patient Safety in Peri-Anaesthesia Nursing: A Narrative Review

This narrative review aimed to critically synthesise current evidence on Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols and their impact on quality of care and patient safety in peri-anaesthesia nursing, with particular emphasis on the Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and the immediate postoperative period. A narrative literature review was conducted to identify evidence related to ERAS implementation and peri-anaesthesia nursing practice. International databases, including PubMed and Elsevier, were searched for relevant publications addressing ERAS protocols, perioperative care, patient safety, and quality improvement. The review focused on studies published between 2019 and 2025. Peer-reviewed articles, clinical guidelines, and original studies relevant to peri-anaesthesia nursing and postoperative recovery were included, and the selected literature was screened and synthesised descriptively. The review demonstrated that ERAS protocols are associated with improved quality and patient safety outcomes during the peri-anaesthesia phase of care. Reported benefits included enhanced postoperative recovery and pain management, reduced complication rates, earlier mobilisation, and greater consistency in clinical practice within the PACU. The findings also highlighted the central role of peri-anaesthesia nurses in patient monitoring, education, and early recovery support, underscoring their contribution to successful ERAS implementation. Overall, ERAS protocols provide a structured framework for improving quality and patient safety in peri-anaesthesia nursing care. Strong peri-anaesthesia nursing involvement and effective multidisciplinary collaboration are essential for optimal implementation, particularly during immediate postoperative recovery. Further research focusing on peri-anaesthesia nursing-specific outcomes and experiences with ERAS pathways is warranted.