Integrated multidisciplinary nursing with enhanced recovery protocols improves postoperative outcomes in glioma patients

Glioma is a common and aggressive primary brain tumor associated with poor prognosis and complex postoperative recovery. Optimizing perioperative care through multidisciplinary integration and enhanced recovery protocols may improve outcomes for these patients. This study evaluates the effectiveness of an integrated healthcare model combined with enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in improving postoperative recovery, reducing complications, and enhancing quality of life in glioma patients undergoing surgical resection. This retrospective cohort study included 272 glioma patients who underwent surgical treatment from 2020 to 2022. Patients were assigned to either a conventional care group (n = 152) or an integrated care group with ERAS (n = 120). Recovery indicators, complication rates, pain levels, psychological status, quality of life, functional outcomes (Karnofsky Performance Status scores), and nursing satisfaction were compared between the 2 groups. The integrated care with ERAS group demonstrated significantly faster recovery, including earlier mobilization, shorter hospital stays, and reduced time to first oral intake (all P < .05). The total complication rate was significantly lower (10.83% vs 19.74%, P = .041), with notable reductions in respiratory infections and deep vein thrombosis. Pain scores and duration were consistently lower in the ERAS group, especially beyond 8 hours postoperatively (P < .05). Quality of life, functional status at 3 and 6 months, and mental health scores improved significantly. Nursing satisfaction was also higher (95.00% vs. 82.24%, P = .001). The integration of multidisciplinary care with ERAS significantly improves postoperative recovery, reduces complications and pain, and enhances the overall quality of life and patient satisfaction in glioma patients. These findings support broader implementation of integrated ERAS-based care in neurosurgical practice.