Background and Review of Literature: Substance use disorder (SUD) is increasing nationwide, including within the anesthesia provider community. Anesthesia providers are shown to be at an increased risk of developing SUD compared to other healthcare professionals. Detrimental effects on those under the care of an anesthesia provider with SUD can, and do, occur. Current Council of Accreditation (COA) guidelines necessitate the inclusion of limited SUD teaching to student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs), but professional organizations, such as the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiologists (AANA), recommend the provision of additional information.

Purpose: This DNP project’s purpose was to provide education regarding SUD in anesthesia personnel via a virtual module to second-year SRNAs to increase prior knowledge and awareness on the topic.

Methods: This project utilized a quasi-experimental design and was evaluated by an expert-certified pretest/post-test questionnaire. A convenience sample was obtained using currently enrolled second-year SRNAs at Marian University in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Results: Thirty-two SRNAs participated in the project and 22 participants completed all questions in the pretest and post-test for a 69% completion rate. Pretest responses were matched with post-test responses. Using a paired t-test, the results show the provided education module significantly increased prior knowledge of SUD in the anesthesia profession (p= <0.001). Participants gained an average of 1.87 points (95% CI) on post-test scores after completing the module.

Implications/Conclusion: The introduction of an in-depth SUD education module increased SRNA’s knowledge of SUD in the anesthesia profession. Enhancing SUD knowledge related to incidence, risk factors, warning signs, and prevention in anesthesia providers in training is recommended by experts to prevent providers’ illicit use of substances, which can harm both providers and patients (Bell et al., 1999 & Booth et al., 2002). Further, increased awareness about SUD among anesthesia providers and the provision of available resources is beneficial to assist those affected by SUD.

Creator

• Smith, Kursten R.

Language

• English

Keyword

• CRNA

• drug diversion

• medication diversion

• anesthe*

• substance abuse

• drug dependence

Date created

• 2023

Resource type

• Research Paper

Rights statement

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/