Improving CRNAs’ Confidence and Perceived Knowledge of Endosurgical Patients Who Use Marijuana: A Quality Improvement Project-Improving CRNAs’ Confidence and Perceived Knowledge of Endosurgical Patients Who Use Marijuana: A Quality Improvement Project

Improving CRNAs’ Confidence and Perceived Knowledge of Endosurgical Patients Who Use Marijuana: A Quality Improvement Project

Back to course

Pdf Summary

The article in the AANA Journal discusses the evolving patterns of marijuana use and its implications for healthcare, particularly in the perioperative care of endosurgical patients. The use of marijuana, both medically and recreationally, is increasing, posing new challenges in healthcare settings. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) often lack adequate education and confidence in managing the perioperative effects of marijuana, leading to potential threats to patient safety and surgical outcomes.<br /><br />To address these concerns, a quality improvement project was conducted at a metropolitan endosurgical center in California, aimed at enhancing CRNAs’ confidence and knowledge. The project involved educational interventions, including an instructional video that covered the history, effects, and legal considerations of marijuana, alongside its implications for anesthesia. Post-intervention, CRNAs reported significantly improved perceived knowledge, although confidence levels showed modest improvement.<br /><br />Marijuana can adversely affect various organ systems, leading to complications like airway obstruction, cardiovascular issues, and altered mental status during surgery. The paper stresses the importance of CRNAs understanding marijuana's pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics to better manage perioperative care. Moreover, it highlights the growing need for educational modules on marijuana for healthcare providers.<br /><br />The project’s findings suggest that increasing CRNAs’ knowledge and confidence through targeted educational interventions can lead to improved care quality. The article calls for further research and educational initiatives to ensure CRNAs and other healthcare providers are well-equipped to handle the challenges posed by patients using marijuana, as its usage is expected to rise with evolving legalization trends.<br /><br />Overall, this study emphasizes the critical need for developing standardized protocols and comprehensive education on marijuana’s impact in medical contexts to enhance patient safety and care outcomes.

Keywords

marijuana use

perioperative care

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists

CRNAs education

healthcare challenges

anesthesia implications

quality improvement

educational interventions

patient safety

medical legalization