ACS Helps AHRQ Develop Toolkit to Improve Post-Surgery Complications and Enhance Patient Recovery

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) recently released a Toolkit for Improving Surgical Care and Recovery (ISCR) that addresses common complications such as surgical site and urinary tract infections, and venous thromboembolism.

The AHRQ-funded toolkit, developed in close collaboration with the ACS, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and Westat, was created for surgical teams by surgeons and offers free evidence-based resources for surgical teams.

The toolkit was implemented in more than 300 hospitals nationwide and includes evidence-based enhanced recovery pathways for colorectal, gynecologic, hip and knee replacement, hip fracture, and emergency general surgery. The ACS played a pivotal role in disseminating information and encouraging hospital participation in ISCR program.

Overall, patients’ length of time in the hospital after various procedures was reduced significantly. Printable education materials for patients and their families are available and can be downloaded at no cost.