Aim: This study aimed to investigate the transition from hospital to home after elective colorectal surgery performed in an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programme.
Design: An integrative review.
Methods: A search of ten electronic databases was conducted. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two authors. Data analysis and synthesis were based on Meleis' Transitions Theory (2010).
Results: Forty-two articles were included, and most (N = 27) were of good or very good quality. The researchers identified five categories to document the nature of transition postsurgery, three conditions affecting such transition, eleven indicators informing about the quality of the transition and several nursing interventions. Overall, this review revealed that the transition from hospital to home after ERAS colorectal surgery is complex. A holistic understanding of this phenomenon may help nurses to recognize what they need to do to optimize the in-home recovery of this clientele.
Keywords: enhanced recovery after surgery; integrative review; nurses; nursing; nursing theory; postoperative care; transitional care.
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