Distraction-Free Zone: Decreasing Distractions During Emergence from Anesthesia

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Anna Cornatzer (Creator)

Institution

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )

Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Advisor

Stacey Schlesinger

Abstract: Background: The operating room (OR) is a complex and noisy environment. Induction and emergence are perhaps considered the most critical phases of anesthesia. Excessive distractions not only adversely impact OR personnel, but hinder patient safety when communication is jeopardized between providers. Reducing background noise and decreasing distractions should be an anesthesia priority. Purpose: The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice project was to reduce observed distractions during the emergence phase of anesthesia by implementing an educational intervention that summarized the existing evidence on workplace distractions, their adverse impact on patient safety, the phases of anesthesia, and common sources of distractions. Methods: This quality improvement project consisted of the pre-intervention measurement of observed distractions during anesthesia emergence, an educational intervention, and post-intervention repeated measurements of observed distractions. Perioperative staff were also surveyed pre-intervention and post-intervention regarding their opinions, attitudes, and behaviors towards distractions in the operating room. Results: The average number of observed distractions during anesthesia emergence pre-intervention was 13.2 and increased to 13.35 following the educational intervention. The opinions of OR personnel toward auditory distractions did not change post-intervention. Recommendations and Conclusion: Findings do not suggest that a single educational intervention is an effective tool to decrease distractions during emergence from anesthesia. Repeated educational sessions, visual cues, and extended time for study may produce more favorable results.

Distraction-Free Zone: Decreasing Distractions During Emergence from Anesthesia
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Created on 6/25/2024
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Additional Information

Publication

Other

Language: English

Date: 2024

Keywords

induction, emergence, anesthesia, noise, distractions, operating room, safety

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