Neuraxial anesthesia task training workshop for CRNAs

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to provide CRNAs with access to continuing education in neuraxial anesthesia with the use of a neuraxial anesthesia refresher workshop in order to enhance the knowledge, skill, and confidence of CRNAs in performing neuraxial anesthesia independently. Methodology: The sample population for this study included current practicing CRNAs who attended a Statewide Professional Organization for Nurse Anesthesia Virtual Fall Symposium on November 7th, 2020. Those who participated in the workshop completed a pre-intervention survey, followed by a 30-minute workshop featuring a PowerPoint Presentation on neuraxial anesthesia and two videos performing step-by-step techniques on a task-trainer mannequin for both spinal and epidural procedures, followed by a post-intervention survey. The surveys assessed the confidence levels of the participants regarding different aspects of neuraxial anesthesia. Resource sheets for both techniques were created and available for the participants during and after the workshop for their own reference. Results: Results from the neuraxial anesthesia workshop showed that confidence levels regarding knowledge and skill of neuraxial anesthesia increased following the workshop. 52.2% strongly agreed that having the opportunity to refresh their knowledge and skills in neuraxial anesthesia with a neuraxial anesthesia workshop was beneficial to their practice as CRNAs while 46.3% agreed that the workshop was beneficial. Statistical analysis was performed to identify if the neuraxial anesthesia refresher workshop produced statistically significant results. Results of the study were statistically significant in increasing confidence levels of practicing CRNAs. Implications for Practice: Upon completion of the workshop, CRNAs felt more confident in their knowledge of neuraxial anesthesia as well as more confident in their skill level. The results showed that the CRNAs felt that participating in the neuraxial anesthesia workshop was beneficial to their practice as CRNAs. A limitation to the study was the lack of a hands-on component that had to be eliminated due to COVID-19 restrictions. With the distribution of the resource sheet following the workshop, CRNAs will have the ability to reference neuraxial anesthesia in the future, if necessary. With more CRNAs confident in performing neuraxial anesthesia, more patients will be able to benefit from this.DNPIncludes bibliographical reference