Sykehuset Østfold Recognized for ERAS Success with support from Encare’s Innovative Solutions
Sykehuset Østfold, a hospital in Kalnes, Norway, has gained significant attention for its successful implementation of ERAS® (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocols. With the support of Encare’s innovative solutions, the hospital has both improved healthcare quality and saved millions through optimized care processes for patients undergoing colorectal surgeries.
By using Encare’s EIAS (ERAS® Interactive Audit System) and EIP (ERAS® Implementation Program), Sykehuset Østfold has optimized every step of the care process in accordance with evidence-based practices. The results include fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and significant cost savings.
Their achievements have not only improved healthcare quality but have also led to substantial economic savings. Additionally, the hospital has been designated as an ERAS® Center of Excellence by the ERAS® Society.
Sykehuset Østfold has also been awarded the prestigious Norwegian Forbedringsprisen (the Improvement Award), presented during the annual Norwegian "pasientsikkerhetsuka" (Patient Safety Week) on September 20. The award recognizes the hospital’s groundbreaking work with ERAS® and its efforts to improve patient care and optimize treatment outcomes in gastrointestinal surgery. This award marks an important milestone and underscores the hospital’s prominent position in national improvement work.
Clinical Results and Savings:
- Reduction in anastomotic leak rates (leakage after bowel surgeries) from 13.3% to 9.7%.
- Reduction in average hospital stay by one full day, saving 250 bed days annually.
- Reduction in ICU admissions, from 4.7% to 4.3%.
- Annual cost savings of NOK 47 million, equivalent to NOK 19,594 per patient.
Rasmus Waller, CEO of Encare, comments: “We are proud that our collaboration with Sykehuset Østfold has not only led to improved patient outcomes but also to significant economic savings. Through our solutions, EIAS and EIP, the hospital has been able to analyze its data and optimize routines in line with evidence to reduce complications and improve resource efficiency.”
Hege Rustad, Gastrointestinal Surgeon at Sykehuset Østfold, says: “EIAS and the monthly reports have helped us adjust and rethink the way we work with the patients throughout the surgical pathway. Fewer complications and greater patient autonomy will also, in turn, contribute to less strain on personnel, and thus, greater staff satisfaction.”
Encare’s innovative SaaS solution, ERAS® Interactive Audit System (EIAS), supports healthcare providers in improving patient recovery after surgical procedures. Encare offers digital tools and training to implement ERAS® programs in hospitals, with the goal of improving patient outcomes, reducing complications, and shortening hospital stays.
For more information, please contact:
Rasmus Waller, CEO
Phone: +46 768 09 04 82
Email: rasmus.waller@encare.net
About Encare
Encare is a HealthTech company that develops a SaaS solution that is improving the outcome of surgery. Encare's interactive, cloud-based solution enables healthcare providers to follow international treatment guidelines before, during, and after major surgical procedures. Encare's service contains programs, so-called protocols, based on the international guidelines ERAS®, Enhanced Recovery After Surgery, which result from research and best practice worldwide. Encare was founded in 2009 by Professor Olle Ljungqvist, who is also one of the founders of the ERAS® Society, the network of world-leading perioperative care authorities that develops the guidelines. In 2022, Professor Ljungqvist was awarded the most prestigious prize in the world of surgery for his work with ERAS®, from the international surgical association ISS/SIC. To learn more about Encare, please visit the company's website at encare.net and follow Encare at LinkedIn.
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