Date of this Version
2024
Document Type
DNP Project
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Cardiac surgery is associated with significant perioperative bleeding and blood transfusion requirements. The effectiveness of antifibrinolytic therapy and financial concerns are carefully balanced in cardiac surgery in the United States. While TXA has stronger potency and fewer dose requirements than EACA, its higher cost impacts the choice of antifibrinolytic medication. Developing an educational module for anesthesia practitioners on the issue of TXA dosing in cardiac surgery can be an effective strategy. This project thus aimed to develop the educational module.
Method: The sample size for participants was selected based on the available pool of CRNAs from the FIU alumni list. This DNP project adopted a pre-/post-intervention design to evaluate the impact of an educational module on the knowledge and practices of CRNAs involved in providing anesthesia for cardiac surgery. These questionnaires captured quantitative and qualitative data, including demographic information. The project used the electronic Qualtrics system to streamline the process and improve data accuracy.
Results: This survey had a sample size of 15 participants. Of the participants, 57% (n = 8) were males, and 43% (n = 6) were females. Male participation was slightly higher. All participants were older than 25, with the highest % of participants older than 31 years, 79% (n = 11). Hispanics comprised the most prominent ethnic group of participants at 50% (n = 7). CRNAs with a doctoral level of education comprised 100% (n = 14) of the sample size. Of these providers, 54% (n = 7) had 1-5 years of experience, while the rest had less than a year or more than 5. Compared to the pretest, the posttest demonstrated a greater proportion of questions with the correct answers. The fact that this occurred suggests that the educational intervention was effective.
Discussion: The findings indicate the educational module's positive effect on improving clinical confidence and competency among healthcare workers. The most evident flaw in the educational initiative was the small sample size. A limited sample size may impact the study's validity and reliability. The project's findings might increase knowledge among CRNAs, minimize blood loss and transfusion requirements, and promote standardized TXA protocols.
Keywords: Tranexamic acid (TXA), cardiac surgery, antifibrinolytic therapy, epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA)
Recommended Citation
Ramirez, Lianet MSN, RN; Gonzalez, DNP, CRNA, APRN, Vicente; and Chan, Carmen DNP, CRNA, "An Educational Module in the Usage of Tranexamic Acid (TXA) as an Alternative to Epsilon Aminocaproic Acid (EACA) in Cardiac Surgery to Reduce Perioperative Transfusion Requirements: A Quality Improvement Project" (2024). Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing Student Projects. 194.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/cnhs-studentprojects/194