Identifying Knowledge Gaps and Attitude Barriers Amongst Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists to Improve Utilization of Opioid-Sparing Anesthesia Techniques in Cardiac Surgery

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Rebecca Cranford (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Terry Wicks

Abstract: Background: Opioids have been a mainstay in cardiac anesthesia for many years with providers often administering up to twenty milliliters of fentanyl per case. With the existence of the opioid crisis and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols leading to improved patient outcomes, opioid-sparing anesthesia (OSA) techniques should be utilized more often within cardiac surgeries. Purpose: Discovering knowledge gaps and attitude biases of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) will improve the provider’s awareness of OSA techniques in cardiac surgery and increase the provider’s utilization of OSA techniques within their practice. Methods: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists were provided a descriptive, cross-sectional electronic survey. Based on the findings, an educational intervention was provided. After a month, a post-intervention survey was completed electronically. Results: Sixty-eight percent of respondents believed OSA techniques in any surgical patient effectively reduced intraoperative pain. Sixty-eight percent believed OSA techniques should be included in cardiac surgery programs. Regional anesthetic techniques were the only knowledge gap discovered with respondents expressing the desire to have regional blocks incorporated into their cardiac program. Surprisingly, no biases were found. Recommendations and Conclusion: Future projects should be completed at facilities that do not have a pre-existing ERAS cardiac program. This will allow for a more robust project. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists are eager to learn about cardiac surgery OSA techniques and incorporate those methods within their practice. "

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 2022
Keywords
opioid-free anesthesia, cardiac surgery, awake cardiac surgery, opioid-sparing anesthesia in cardiac surgery

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