Audit of compliance with enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery guidelines

Evaluation of the Revised Enhanced Recovery After Cardiac Surgery Protocol. A Prospective Audit.

Observational Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven · NCT06257745

This study looks at how well hospitals are following guidelines to help patients recover better after heart surgery and sees how this affects their recovery and hospital stay.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment350 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven Academic / other
Locations1 site (Leuven)
Trial IDNCT06257745 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to conduct a prospective audit of patients undergoing cardiac surgery who are part of the enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery (ERACS) program. The study will evaluate the implementation of various interventions outlined in the ERACS guidelines and assess their impact on postoperative outcomes, including complications and hospital length of stay. Data will be collected from medical records and anesthesia evaluation sheets, with a focus on understanding compliance and its relation to patient outcomes. The findings will be compared to a previous audit to benchmark improvements and identify areas for further enhancement.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients scheduled for cardiac surgery who will be part of the post-anesthesia care unit centric ERACS program in 2024.

Not a fit: Patients who are transferred to the PACU but are awaiting planned admission to the intensive care unit following cardiac surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved postoperative outcomes and reduced hospital stays for patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous audits have shown a positive association between compliance with ERACS guidelines and improved postoperative outcomes, indicating that this approach has been successful in similar contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Included in our post anesthesia care unit centric ERACS program during 2024

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients transferred to the PACU but awaiting planned admission to the intensive care unit following cardiac surgery

Where this trial is running

Leuven

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Enhanced Recovery After SurgeryCardiac Surgical Procedures
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.