Session Objectives:

• Describe the core components of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols and explain how each element influences perioperative infection risk.
• Integrate evidence‑based infection prevention strategies (e.g., antimicrobial prophylaxis timing, normothermia, glycemic control) into ERAS care pathways to optimize patient outcomes.
• Analyze ERAS‑driven approaches to meet CMS TEAM Model SSI requirements and use findings to refine protocols and educate multidisciplinary teams.

Session Overview: 

This practical, clinically focused session shows perioperative nurses how to harness Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols as a powerful, evidence-driven platform to prevent surgical site infections (SSIs) and meet the requirements of the CMS TEAM Model. We’ll move beyond theory to show exactly which ERAS elements most influence infection risk, how to fold proven infection-prevention tactics seamlessly into the ERAS pathway, and how to translate episode-based TEAM metrics into actionable nursing practice and multidisciplinary education. Expect real-world examples, short case discussions, and ready-to-use protocol language you can bring back to your team.

Attendees will leave with concrete tools to strengthen perioperative practice and episode accountability, including checklist templates, audit measures, and inter professional ideas for educating surgeons, anesthesia, IP, and and perioperative nurses. The session emphasizes nurse-led ownership of prevention bundles inside ERAS pathways and provides strategies to document, measure, and report outcomes that align with TEAM’s 30-day episode expectations.

Presenter:

J. Hudson Garrett Jr., Ph.D., MSN, MPH, MBA, IP-BC, PLNC, CFER, AS-BC, VA-BC, CMRP, HACP, HACP-IC, HACP-PE, LTC-CIP, CIC, AL-CIP, CAIP, DICO-C, CPPS, CCHR-S, CPHQ, CVAHP, CPXP, CDIPC, CPHRM, CHIPP-B, FACDONA, FAAPM, eFACHDM, FAPIC, FAOM, FRSPH, FNAP, FAHVAP, FACHE, FSHEA, FIDSA

Dr. Garrett is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. He is Board Certified in Infection Prevention and Control, Advanced Leadership in Infection Control, Patient Safety, Healthcare Risk Management, and Healthcare Management and Leadership. Dr. Garrett is a Liaison to the AORN Guidelines Advisory Board.