Cesarean deliveries are common in Canada, making up nearly one-third of deliveries performed each year. There’s an opportunity to increase the uptake of surgical best practices to improve the experience and outcomes of those who have c-sections.
Led by Healthcare Excellence Canada and partners, Enhanced Recovery CanadaTM (ERC) is launching the world's first comprehensive resources for enhanced recovery after cesarean delivery. These include a Canadian clinical pathway with physician orders templates and data collection resources. These materials are supported by complementary patient resources, including a downloadable booklet and animated video to help guide patients before and after surgery.
The Enhanced Recovery Canada clinical pathway for cesarean deliveries reduces complications and supports shorter hospital stays and safer transitions after surgery. It’s based on Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society guidelines and endorsed by the Society of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) and the Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society.
Reaching the quadruple aim
Not only is this clinical pathway for cesarean deliveries best practice, it also puts the quadruple aim well within reach – improving patient outcomes and patient experience, supporting the clinician experience, and lowering costs.
While there may already be some uptake of ERAS cesarean delivery best practices across Canada, this has not been consistent or widespread. ERC’s new clinical pathway resources will give all providers and patients evidence-based best practices to improve the experience and outcome of cesarean deliveries.
With the launch of these new tools, surgical teams across the country that want to help patients feel better and recover faster are encouraged to download the new clinical pathway and patient resources.
A comprehensive package
ERC promotes engaging the full care team, so they are knowledgeable about each other’s roles and where they intersect. ERC resources for cesarean delivery emphasize the importance of including patients, families and care partners from the time surgery is being planned to understanding the important role they play in care when leaving the hospital.
Putting the full Enhanced Recovery Canada clinical and patient bundle into practice is key to its success.
Find enhanced recovery guidance for other common surgeries
Clinical pathways and patient resources have been produced for other common procedures, including colorectal, gynaecological, and orthopaedic hip and knee replacement surgeries. Learn more about these and the work of Enhanced Recovery Canada.
