Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs are reshaping the way patients experience surgery and recovery. Developed through evidence-based research, ERAS protocols aim to reduce the physical and emotional stress of surgery, shorten hospital stays, and improve overall outcomes for both patients and healthcare systems. Rather than focusing solely on the surgical procedure itself, ERAS takes a multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach that optimizes care before, during, and after surgery. The goal is simple but powerful: to help patients recover faster and feel better every step of the way.
The Foundation of ERAS
ERAS pathways combine a wide range of best practices that work together to support recovery.
Common components include:
- Preoperative education and patient engagement – helping patients know what to expect and how to prepare can significantly reduce anxiousness.
- Optimized nutrition and hydration – allowing clear fluids or carbohydrate drinks closer to surgery time can minimize discomfort and improve energy.
- Multimodal pain management – reducing reliance on opioids through a combination of nonopioid medications, nerve blocks, and comfort interventions.
- Early mobilization – encouraging patients to move soon after surgery to prevent complications and speed healing.
- Minimizing postoperative queasiness and vomiting – through pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions.
While these elements focus on clinical outcomes, ERAS also recognizes the importance of emotional and sensory comfort because anxiousness, fear, and discomfort can all slow recovery.
Enhancing Comfort Through Clinical Aromatherapy
This is where Elequil Aromatabs® aromatherapy can complement ERAS goals. By addressing common sources of discomfort, such as preoperative anxiousness and postoperative queasiness, Elequil supports both patient well-being and the overall success of ERAS pathways.
In fact, Lavender-Peppermint was created for the surgical suite because it can be placed on the patient pre-surgery to help calm and have continued use in PACU, with peppermint helping to ease queasiness.
- Before surgery: Aromas like lavender-sandalwood or lavender can help calm anxiousness and promote relaxation.
- After surgery: Orange-Peppermint and Orange-Ginger help to uplift and ease queasiness.
- Throughout recovery: A consistent, personal aroma experience can help patients feel more in control and cared for in an unfamiliar environment.
Nurses have shared that they feel empowered that they can offer a nursing intervention immediately to help the patient. Another feature preferred by nurses is that Elequil Aromatabs® adhere to the patient's gown, are hands-free, stay within the patient’s personal space, and fit seamlessly into perioperative workflows.
Working Together for a Better Experience
In many ERAS programs, clinical aromatherapy is offered alongside other comfort-focused interventions such as:
- Warm blankets and temperature control
- Soothing music or guided relaxation
- Dimmed lighting in pre-op and PACU areas
- Mindfulness or breathing exercises
- Empathetic communication and patient education
Together, these small but meaningful touches create a calmer, more supportive environment that helps patients feel reassured and promotes faster recovery.
A Simple Tool for Enhanced Recovery
ERAS is all about improving outcomes through thoughtful, patient-centered care. By helping reduce anxiousness, queasiness, and discomfort, Elequil Aromatabs® aromatherapy provides an easy and effective way to support those goals, helping patients heal more comfortably and helping care teams deliver the best possible surgical experience.
Want to learn how Elequil Aromatabs® can support your ERAS program?
If you would like more information on how Elequil Aromatabs aromatherapy can support your ERAS program, email info@beekley.com.
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Megan Sargalski
Marketing Communications Specialist
