SNHP | Nurse Anesthesia DNP Project Presentations
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
Nurse Anesthetist
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Tiffany Eye; Dr. Michael Perlow
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Postoperative delirium (POD) is a serious and multifactorial complication commonly affecting elderly surgical patients. POD is associated with increased morbidity, longer hospital stays, and higher mortality rates. The use of benzodiazepines and opioids during the perioperative period is a significant modifiable risk factor for POD. Despite the potential of Dexmedetomidine (Precedex) to reduce POD incidence due to its sedative, and analgesic properties, it is not widely available in many operating rooms (OR). This project aimed to educate anesthesia providers on the benefits of Precedex and its role in reducing POD in patients over 65 years old. A quality improvement project was with sixteen participants, including 12 anesthesia providers and four pharmacy personnel, attended an educational intervention. A pre-lesson survey assessed baseline knowledge of POD risk factors and Precedex usage. A PowerPoint presentation was delivered on the benefits of Precedex and the adverse effects of POD. A post-lesson survey measured knowledge gained. Data were analyzed by comparing pre- and post-survey scores. Pre-lesson survey scores averaged 55.35%, indicating limited baseline knowledge. Post-lesson survey scores increased to an average of 98.13%, reflecting a 42.78% improvement in knowledge. All anesthesia providers expressed willingness to incorporate Precedex into their daily practice if made available. These findings highlight the potential of targeted education to enhance clinical knowledge and influence practice change. By increasing awareness of Dexmedetomidine’s benefits and the detrimental effects of POD, this project underscores the importance of making this medication readily accessible in the perioperative setting to improve patient outcomes.
Keywords: Postoperative delirium, POD, Precedex, Dexmedetomidine, anesthesia
Fall Scholars Week 2024 Event
Other (Please write in)
Other Scholars Week Event
Spring Scholars Week 2025
Advancing Provider Knowledge on Precedex Use to Prevent Postoperative Delirium Through Targeted Education
Postoperative delirium (POD) is a serious and multifactorial complication commonly affecting elderly surgical patients. POD is associated with increased morbidity, longer hospital stays, and higher mortality rates. The use of benzodiazepines and opioids during the perioperative period is a significant modifiable risk factor for POD. Despite the potential of Dexmedetomidine (Precedex) to reduce POD incidence due to its sedative, and analgesic properties, it is not widely available in many operating rooms (OR). This project aimed to educate anesthesia providers on the benefits of Precedex and its role in reducing POD in patients over 65 years old. A quality improvement project was with sixteen participants, including 12 anesthesia providers and four pharmacy personnel, attended an educational intervention. A pre-lesson survey assessed baseline knowledge of POD risk factors and Precedex usage. A PowerPoint presentation was delivered on the benefits of Precedex and the adverse effects of POD. A post-lesson survey measured knowledge gained. Data were analyzed by comparing pre- and post-survey scores. Pre-lesson survey scores averaged 55.35%, indicating limited baseline knowledge. Post-lesson survey scores increased to an average of 98.13%, reflecting a 42.78% improvement in knowledge. All anesthesia providers expressed willingness to incorporate Precedex into their daily practice if made available. These findings highlight the potential of targeted education to enhance clinical knowledge and influence practice change. By increasing awareness of Dexmedetomidine’s benefits and the detrimental effects of POD, this project underscores the importance of making this medication readily accessible in the perioperative setting to improve patient outcomes.
Keywords: Postoperative delirium, POD, Precedex, Dexmedetomidine, anesthesia
