Document Type

Course Project

Publication Date

Fall 11-2022

Abstract

The mental, physical, and emotional effects of stress and fatigue pose significant patient safety risks resulting from impaired concentration, coordination, and overall productivity in certified registered nurse anesthetists. Fatigue is commonly experienced by nurse anesthetists. Fatigue is an occupational hazard that affects not only nurse anesthetists but also patients, colleagues, and other healthcare stakeholders. Certified registered nurse anesthetists are most affected by fatigue due to the prolonged duration of extensive patient monitoring during surgical and complex medical procedures. Due to their central role in ensuring patient safety and comfort during surgery and other procedures requiring anesthesia, certified registered nurse anesthetists are also highly susceptible to organizational and clinical adjustments, such as changes in work schedules and medical/obstetrical emergencies. Fatigue negatively impacts the personal and professional well-being of certified registered nurse anesthetists. Provider fatigue is well-documented as a causative factor in patient safety threats, errors, and decreased quality of anesthesia care. This doctoral project used a quality improvement design related to a provider education program to inform certified registered nurse anesthetists of safety threats related to fatigue and to provide evidence-based strategies to reduce the effects of fatigue. An evidence-based teaching plan was developed based on analysis of the literature. Experts evaluated the content areas of the teaching plan. The final form of the teaching plan was modified based on expert comments and ranks. In the future CRNAs may attend an educational program that was structured within the teaching plan.

Language

English

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