SNHP | Nurse Anesthesia DNP Project Presentations
Improving Perioperative Outcomes and Reducing Opioid Use with Dexmedetomidine as a Neuraxial Adjunct: Provider Education
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
Nurse Anesthesia
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Tonia Mailow
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Background
Inadequate post-operative pain management and the rising use of opioids as a remedy are some of the most significant barriers to optimal perioperative outcomes for many patients. Using Dexmedetomidine as a neuraxial adjunct to optimize post-operative pain and reduce opioid use is one of the latest developments in anesthesia to combat this issue.
Objective
This quality improvement project aimed to develop an educational intervention to increase CRNA awareness about the growing anesthetic technique of neuraxial Dexmedetomidine, improving their knowledge and comfort in adopting a technique that reduces opioid consumption.
Design
CRNAs completed a pre-survey to assess their knowledge of using Dexmedetomidine as a neuraxial adjunct. Participants then attended educational sessions outlining the latest evidence supporting the practice. A posttest followed the sessions to assess changes in knowledge and the likelihood of CRNAs incorporating this newer technique within their practice.
Results
CRNAs demonstrated an increase in their knowledge about the mechanism through which neuraxial Dexmedetomidine improves the perioperative experience and reduces opioid consumption. Most participants reported a high likelihood of adopting this technique within their practice.
Conclusion
Current literature suggests that Dexmedetomidine as a neuraxial adjunct has the potential to transform perioperative experiences as we move to opioid-sparing techniques. The educational sessions to disseminate the upcoming technique effectively increased the awareness and practice knowledge of all the learners involved to continue improving patient outcomes.
KEYWORDS: intrathecal Dexmedetomidine, epidural Dexmedetomidine, opioid-sparing analgesia, provider education
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Nurse Anesthesia Program
Improving Perioperative Outcomes and Reducing Opioid Use with Dexmedetomidine as a Neuraxial Adjunct: Provider Education
Background
Inadequate post-operative pain management and the rising use of opioids as a remedy are some of the most significant barriers to optimal perioperative outcomes for many patients. Using Dexmedetomidine as a neuraxial adjunct to optimize post-operative pain and reduce opioid use is one of the latest developments in anesthesia to combat this issue.
Objective
This quality improvement project aimed to develop an educational intervention to increase CRNA awareness about the growing anesthetic technique of neuraxial Dexmedetomidine, improving their knowledge and comfort in adopting a technique that reduces opioid consumption.
Design
CRNAs completed a pre-survey to assess their knowledge of using Dexmedetomidine as a neuraxial adjunct. Participants then attended educational sessions outlining the latest evidence supporting the practice. A posttest followed the sessions to assess changes in knowledge and the likelihood of CRNAs incorporating this newer technique within their practice.
Results
CRNAs demonstrated an increase in their knowledge about the mechanism through which neuraxial Dexmedetomidine improves the perioperative experience and reduces opioid consumption. Most participants reported a high likelihood of adopting this technique within their practice.
Conclusion
Current literature suggests that Dexmedetomidine as a neuraxial adjunct has the potential to transform perioperative experiences as we move to opioid-sparing techniques. The educational sessions to disseminate the upcoming technique effectively increased the awareness and practice knowledge of all the learners involved to continue improving patient outcomes.
KEYWORDS: intrathecal Dexmedetomidine, epidural Dexmedetomidine, opioid-sparing analgesia, provider education
