Outstanding Achievement

NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery: A System Strategy to Reduce Opioid Use and Improve Outcomes

By implementing an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) model, NorthShore University HealthSystem improved efficiency and clinical outcomes while reducing opioid use for five surgical procedures. NorthShore replaced traditional practices with evidence-based practices, engaging physicians as essential partners.

Transforming the system’s approach to surgical care has resulted in:

• 50% of affected patients discharged with no opioid medications;
• 75% reduction in morphine milligram equivalents; 
• 1,938-day reduction in hospital length of stay; and
• $4.4 million in cost savings.