Date of this Version

2021

Document Type

DNP Project

Rights

default

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background: Regional anesthesia has been an excellent adjunct to anesthesia and has helped in the fight against the opioid epidemic seen within the United States. Cancer patients undergoing mastectomies can develop chronic pain as a result of not treating acute postoperative pain properly. This chronic pain can lead to increased opioid consumption and opioid dependence. Regional anesthesia, specifically the Pectoral Nerves II (PECS II) block, is a great technique that can help patients undergoing mastectomies.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to improve anesthesia provider knowledge on the value of the PECS II Block for patients undergoing mastectomy surgery. A literature review addresses the PICO question: “In patients undergoing general anesthesia for mastectomy, would the use of a PECS II block compared to no block, reduce postoperative opioid consumption and acute postoperative pain.” The educational framework provided to improve provider knowledge was gathered through this literature review. Overall, this study aims to increase awareness of the PECS II block for mastectomy patients to improve healthcare outcomes for this patient population.

Methodology: An online educational intervention which focuses on the benefits of the PECS II Block for mastectomy patients will be administered to anesthesia providers. As part of this online educational intervention, a pre- and post- assessment survey will be used to measure improvement of provider knowledge.

Results: Overall, the statistical analysis between the pre-test and post-test showed there was an overall improvement in provider knowledge following the education intervention. Additionally, the likelihood of utilizing the PECS II block for mastectomy patients increased among providers.

Conclusions: The evidence illustrates how the PECS II block can be a safe and effective technique that can help decrease opioid consumption as well as improve postoperative pain scores when compared to using general anesthesia alone. More research must be done to determine the effect of the PECS II block on chronic pain within this patient population

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