Date of this Version

11-23-2021

Document Type

DNP Project

Rights

default

Abstract

Airway complications, including those that may be caused by the inability to maintain oxygenation, are major causes of anesthesia-related injury and death. Difficult intubation rates are relatively high with even higher associated complication rates. The success rate for cricothyrotomy procedures is also inappropriately low. Research has found that a lack of experience and/or insufficient training possibly plays a role in the low success rate and increased incidence of airway complication-associated morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study is to assess current training and confidence levels in practitioners as well as to evaluate the impact of improved training, sustained training or interval training. The primary methodology of the related educational project administered an online educational intervention to anesthesia providers that focused on difficult airway situations and algorithms. A survey was used as a pre-test and posttest to assess CRNA knowledge of airway emergencies. Overall, the results show that there was a difference from pre-test to post-test. There was an increase in knowledge for most questions. Since CICO situations and emergency cricothyrotomies are rare, independent work experiences are vital in order to preserve appropriate provider awareness and abilities. Improving the standard of difficult airway management, CICO guidelines, and cricothyrotomy efficiency training is expected to boost provider ability and confidence, resulting in less deviations from the DAA and hesitancy during CICO situations, as well as lower anesthesia-related morbidity and mortality, hospital costs, and duration of stay.

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