Cannabis and anesthesia: improving confidence and knowledge among anesthesia providers

Purpose of Project: The purpose of this project was to increase confidence and knowledge in the perioperative care of marijuana using patients presenting for surgical intervention. Methodology: This project was a quantitative correlational prospective sample design in which CRNAs and RRNAs completed a virtual module presenting the implications of marijuana for anesthesia providers. The module was disseminated via the state organization online education platform. This platform offers virtual educational modules to anesthesia providers nationwide. The module was created by the researchers and was made available virtually to CRNAs and RRNAs with the assistance of the state organization online education platform IT department. Study participants’ subject matter confidence level was assessed prior to the intervention using a survey that was an adapted version of the General Self-Efficacy (GSE) Scale. This survey measured perceived confidence. Subjects completed the same survey immediately following module completion. Participants also completed a knowledge assessment prior to taking the module. After module and survey completion, participants completed the same knowledge learner assessment to receive one continuing education (CE) credit. Results: The results of this project strongly suggested that CRNAs and RRNAs who completed the online learning module would demonstrate an increase in confidence and knowledge of the newly learned subject matter. Implications for Practice: There is currently a paucity of delineated and clear practice recommendations when it comes to the anesthetic management of patients who use marijuana. Suggested practice recommendations in the module were based on current and comprehensive literature reviews; however, the suggested practice recommendations were largely anecdotal or extrapolated from animal study models due to the scarcity of randomized controlled trials and testing on human subjects. It is important to note that, despite the practice recommendations of these authors, patients should always be evaluated and treated individually and that clinical scenarios can be unique and fluid; providers should be alert to these considerations and utilize the recommendations as a framework within which to manage this population.D.N.P.Includes bibliographical reference