Implementation of the A-OK Protocol for Treatment of Amniotic Fluid Emboli with Quick Reference and Education Materials

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

Chase Bauer (Creator)

Institution

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )

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

Advisor

Christine Kress

Abstract: Background: An amniotic fluid embolism is a rare but deadly complication that accompanies an otherwise exciting event in one’s life. Without adequate knowledge of symptom presentation, pathology and treatment, anesthesia providers and labor and delivery nurses cannot treat mothers in an emergent situation. While this pathological process is difficult to study and often is a diagnosis of exclusion, current literature discusses a protocol that has shown great success for treatment of AFE. Purpose: The purpose of this project is to assess the knowledge and confidence of the anesthesia providers and L&D nurses in reference to the diagnosis, pathophysiology, presentation, and treatment of AFE and the A-OK protocol. Methods: An educational session was held for anesthesia and L&D staff at a level III medical center in North Carolina that discussed AFE presentation, pathology, treatment, and the A-OK protocol. A Likert-scale self-assessment of knowledge and confidence was administered to participating staff members as to assess the desired levels before and after the educational session. Additionally, badge buddies highlighting the signs, symptoms, and treatment of AFE were given to staff of the participating teams. Results: After completion of the education session and data collection, a statistically significant increase in provider knowledge and confidence was able to be seen. This data was analyzed using a paired t-test to assess for statistical significance. Conclusion: In conclusion, the anesthesia providers and L&D nurses all benefited from the education session and badge buddy tool regarding their knowledge and confidence. Recommendations: These project designers recommend the development of larger visual aids that can be placed in the L&D units and c-section suites to assist providers who may not have participated in this project. Also, an additional recommendation would be the development of an A-OK pack including the three medications outlined in the protocol. This could be used by L&D nurses as way of retrieving the medications quickly in an emergent situation.

Implementation of the A-OK Protocol for Treatment of Amniotic Fluid Emboli with Quick Reference and Education Materials
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Created on 6/20/2024
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Additional Information

Publication

Other

Language: English

Date: 2023

Keywords

A-OK, knowledge and confidence, amniotic fluid emboli, pregnancy complication, AFE, maternal death, Ondansetron, Ketorolac, Atropine

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