Kimberly Wadman, RN, DNP, CRNA

DNP Nurse Anesthesia 

Interprofessional Difficult Airway Recognition Workshop 

Project Category: Evidence Implementation

Project Team: Kimberly Wadman, DNP, CRNA Jeremy Lenich, DNP, CRNA Kristine Tierney, DNP, CRNA (Advisor)

Abstract

Background: Non-anesthesia providers respond to airway emergencies occurring outside of the operating room. However, these providers lack sufficient training for recognition of difficult airways, which compromises patient safety and increases health care costs. To address this deficiency, an interprofessional airway workshop was conducted by senior nurse anesthesia residents to improve interprofessionalism and knowledge of difficult airway risk factors.

Methods: A sample of 20 medical students participated in an in-person lecture about interprofessionalism and difficult airway assessment. The participants rotated through five stations to practice mask ventilation, supraglottic airway insertion, direct and video laryngoscopy, and ultrasonographic airway assessment. Knowledge assessment questionnaires and Students Perspective of Interprofessional Education Revised (SPICE-R) surveys were distributed to assess change in knowledge and interprofessional competency.

Results: A total of 20 participants completed pre-intervention surveys, while 14 out of 20 participants completed post-intervention surveys. Following the workshop, SPICE-R respondents who agreed or strongly agreed that they understood the specific roles of other members of the interprofessional team increased from 45% to 92%. SPICE-R respondents who strongly agreed that working with students from other health professions enhances their education increased from 65% to 93%. The average score on the knowledge assessment increased from 74% to 95%. 

Conclusion: Anesthesia trainee-led interprofessional airway simulation improves perception towards interprofessional education and knowledge surrounding difficult airway recognition. This may improve patient safety and decrease health care costs related to difficult airway management outside of the operating room.

Full Manuscript