Cesarean Delivery Resource for Providers and Leaders

This clinical resource for cesarean deliveries is based on Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) best practices and provides guidance on all stages of the patient’s journey, from pre-admission to post discharge. It supports a multidisciplinary team approach and can be used by providers across the continuum of surgical care.

If implemented consistently, these strategies improve patient experience and reduce length of stay, complication rates and hospital readmissions – all valuable outcomes at a time when healthcare systems are under serious pressure.

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This resource includes a template for physician orders as well as a data collection and measurement resource.

A complementary set of resources for patients undergoing cesarean surgery is also available.

In addition, our Guide to Patient Safety Improvement helps surgical teams implement these best practices successfully.

What does the cesarean delivery resource cover?

The ERC cesarean delivery clinical pathway puts the quadruple aim within reach – improving patient outcomes and patient experience, supporting the clinician experience, and lowering costs. The pathway is built on six core pillars, covered in the resource:

1. patient and family engagement
2. nutrition management
3. fluid and hydration management
4. early mobility and physical activity
5. surgical best practices
6. pain management with fewer narcotics (multi-modal opioid-sparing analgesia)

Who can use this cesarean delivery resource?

This clinical resource has been developed for obstetricians, other surgeons providing cesarean deliveries, obstetrical care providers (such as midwives, family practice physicians), anesthesiologists, nurses, other providers (such as pharmacists, physiotherapists, nutritionists), and healthcare leaders involved in care of patients requiring cesarean delivery.

Its purpose is to offer healthcare providers in Canada with evidence-informed strategies to improve surgical outcomes in cesarean patients. All pregnant people who require cesarean delivery should be considered for enhanced recovery after surgery management using the recommendations provided in this clinical pathway, including patients undergoing elective and unplanned urgent or emergent surgeries.

How was this cesarean delivery resource developed?

This clinical resource was developed by a multidisciplinary group of clinicians from across the country experienced in cesarean delivery. Patients were included in the pathway working group to ensure the patient perspective was integrated and prioritized.

Learn more about Enhanced Recovery Canada and its clinical resources for healthcare providers and leaders.

Has this cesarean delivery resource been endorsed?

This resource was reviewed and endorsed by the Society of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) Guideline Management Oversight Committee and the Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society (CAS).

What additional resources are available?

• Learn more about Enhanced Recovery Canada and the ERAS principles.