SNHP | Nurse Anesthesia DNP Project Presentations
Creating a Fitness for Duty Policy Surrounding Substance Use Disorder for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
DNP
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Michael, DNS
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation - Murray State Access only
Abstract/Description
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a known problem for anesthesia providers and is estimated to affect 10% to 15% of all anesthesia providers (Samuelson & Bryson, 2016; Wright et al., 2012). The purpose of this study was to examine whether a teaching project would increase knowledge of resources available and processes used if an SUD is present or suspected in the workplace. An education presentation with a multiple-choice post-survey was presented to an anesthesia practice group contracted to a small hospital in western Kentucky over three days. Eleven of the 18 certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and anesthesiologists participated. Ten of the 11 participants believed the anesthesia practice should have an SUD policy. Ninety percent could correctly state the chain of command per the policy. All the participants were able to identify that it is possible to return to work as an anesthesia provider after treatment for an SUD. Ten out of 11 participants correctly identified the percentage of anesthesia providers with an SUD. Eighty-one percent identified both specific resources available to CRNAs in Kentucky with an SUD disorder and 100% were able to identify one resource correctly. The results were presented to the anesthesia practice owners for possible policy adoption. Concerns were raised regarding keeping the policy up to date and in alignment with the hospital. Because this policy aligned with the hospital policy, the practice owners felt it would be redundant as this group does not contract with any other facility. Further studies need to be done to see if having a fitness for duty policy in place and providing education positively impacts anesthesia providers.
Keywords: substance use disorder amongst anesthesia providers, anesthesia, certified registered nurse anesthetist, anesthesia providers, substance use disorder, drug abuse, diversion, fitness for duty
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Nurse Anesthesia DNP Project Presentations
Creating a Fitness for Duty Policy Surrounding Substance Use Disorder for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a known problem for anesthesia providers and is estimated to affect 10% to 15% of all anesthesia providers (Samuelson & Bryson, 2016; Wright et al., 2012). The purpose of this study was to examine whether a teaching project would increase knowledge of resources available and processes used if an SUD is present or suspected in the workplace. An education presentation with a multiple-choice post-survey was presented to an anesthesia practice group contracted to a small hospital in western Kentucky over three days. Eleven of the 18 certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and anesthesiologists participated. Ten of the 11 participants believed the anesthesia practice should have an SUD policy. Ninety percent could correctly state the chain of command per the policy. All the participants were able to identify that it is possible to return to work as an anesthesia provider after treatment for an SUD. Ten out of 11 participants correctly identified the percentage of anesthesia providers with an SUD. Eighty-one percent identified both specific resources available to CRNAs in Kentucky with an SUD disorder and 100% were able to identify one resource correctly. The results were presented to the anesthesia practice owners for possible policy adoption. Concerns were raised regarding keeping the policy up to date and in alignment with the hospital. Because this policy aligned with the hospital policy, the practice owners felt it would be redundant as this group does not contract with any other facility. Further studies need to be done to see if having a fitness for duty policy in place and providing education positively impacts anesthesia providers.
Keywords: substance use disorder amongst anesthesia providers, anesthesia, certified registered nurse anesthetist, anesthesia providers, substance use disorder, drug abuse, diversion, fitness for duty