Date of this Version

12-6-2021

Document Type

DNP Project

Abstract

Abstract

Importance: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a lifelong multisystem autoimmune disorder characterized by the presence of autoantibodies that are directed against nuclear antigens. The disease is the most common type of lupus that has a heterogeneous presentation, and an affinity for the female gender with a peak onset in normative childbearing years. It becomes important for anesthesia providers to understand the potential complications that they may encounter during the obstetric management of this population, during cesarean sections. Recommendations that address the disease’s heterogeneous presentation and effect on the parturient organ systems provide a template for anesthesia providers during the perioperative management of the obstetric SLE patient.

Objective: This quality improvement (QI) project aims to improve healthcare provider knowledge regarding the clinical implications of SLE, during the obstetric management for a cesarean section, to reduce morbidity and mortality for mother and newborn.

Setting: A 716-bed acute care hospital in Broward County, Florida, which has a large obstetric population requiring anesthetic services. Anesthesia providers at this facility will be educated on the maternal-fetal dyad that can present during the management of the SLE mother during a cesarian section.

Methods: A pretest survey will be administered to assess anesthesia providers’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding the management of the SLE parturient during a cesarian section. An educational module will then be provided. Finally, a posttest survey containing the same questions as the pretest will be administered to participants.

Results: Following the educational intervention, there was an increase in knowledge scores and stronger attitudes and beliefs regarding the role of anesthesia providers in the management of the SLE parturient during a cesarean section. Furthermore, most participants reported that they were highly likely to implement this into their clinical practice.

Conclusion: An educational module can enhance anesthesia provider knowledge and increase the likelihood of improved outcomes for mother and neonate, during the anesthetic management of an SLE parturient during a cesarean section.

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