IMPLEMENTING AN EARLY ORAL FEEDING MANAGEMENT PROGRAM FOR POSTOPERATIVE BRAIN TUMOR PATIENTS: INSIGHTS FROM ENHANCED RECOVERY AFTER SURGERY (ERAS) PRINCIPLES IN SPORTS REHABILITATION

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to develop a comprehensive management program for early oral feeding (EOF) in brain tumor patients following craniotomy, based on the principles of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS). Methods: A multidisciplinary research team reviewed relevant literature and clinical experiences to design a tailored EOF management program. The Delphi method was applied, involving two rounds of expert consultations to refine the program. Key aspects evaluated included the timing, safety, patient ability, management strategies, and prevention of complications related to EOF. The authority coefficient (Cr), familiarity with indicators (Cs), and judgment coefficient (Ca) were calculated to assess expert agreement and reliability. Results: The finalized EOF management program included five primary evidence-based categories: EOF timing, safety protocols, patient readiness, management strategies, and complication prevention. These were further divided into 20 secondary and 36 tertiary categories. Expert consensus was strong, with authority, familiarity, and judgment coefficients at 0.900, 0.818, and 0.972, respectively. The Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (W) values from the two Delphi rounds were 0.304 and 0.441, indicating a high degree of agreement among experts. Conclusion: The proposed EOF management program for brain tumor patients following craniotomy aligns with ERAS principles, emphasizing early recovery, reduced complications, and improved nutritional support. Its strong expert consensus highlights its clinical feasibility and potential to enhance postoperative care protocols for neurosurgical patients, supporting better recovery outcomes in both clinical and sports rehabilitation settings.