Date of Award

8-9-2024

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

MS in Physician Assistant Studies (PA)

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

First Advisor

Clinton Billhorn, MSPAS, PA-C

Abstract

Background: Enhanced recovery after Surgery (ERAS) protocols and multimodal pain management strategies have revolutionized perioperative care in adult surgical practice by leading to improved postoperative outcomes and better pain management. However, the adoption of these protocols to pediatric surgical care remains underexplored.

Purpose: This systematic review aims to examine recent randomized clinical trials on the implementation of ERAS protocols and multimodal pain management strategies in pediatric surgical patients.

Methods: A computer-based literature search of databases through Google Scholar and PubMed with manual reference searches was used to identify eligible studies. The review includes randomized controlled trials focusing on multimodal pain management and ERAS protocols’ efficacy in pediatric surgical patients.

Conclusion: ERAS protocols were effective at decreasing pain levels and decreasing hospital stay in adult patients, with most studies calling for future research and implementation in pediatric surgical patients. The most effective pain management strategy was early multimodal pain management with an emphasis on a shared decision-making model. Future research emphasis was centered on adapting the same early pain intervention in pediatric patients, compared to the research that shows delayed pain management initiation. Findings highlight the urgent need to address pediatric pain management, advocating for earlier implementation of pain management strategies in this population. The analysis highlights the lack of clinical trials implemented in ERAS protocol application in this population. Recommendations for future research and clinical practice are proposed and this systematic review serves as a comprehensive resource for health care providers, researchers, and policymakers striving to enhance pediatric surgical care.

Identifier

SC 11.PAS.2024.Kim.K

Download

Share

COinS